site.btaInnovation Minister Mladenova, BAS President Discuss Technology Transfer, Strengthening Cooperation

Caretaker Minister of Innovation and Growth Irena Mladenova on Tuesday discussed with Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS) President Evelina Slavcheva the transfer of technologies, the strengthening of institutional interaction, as well as opportunities for the Academy to participate in the development and testing of dual-use products, Mladenova's Ministry said.

"We need a common approach. We rely on you as well - on the academic community and on business. I am ready to review the ideas you believe work, so that we can replicate them," Mladenova said during the meeting at BAS.

According to her, the role of the Ministry of Innovation and Growth, and in particular of the Council for Innovation and Scientific Research, is to provide a platform for joint cooperation between the academic community and businesses.

A key focus of the discussion was also placed on the Defence Innovation Centre at Sofia Tech Park and the Centre of Excellence in Kazanlak, as well as their potential.

In this context, opportunities were discussed for the participation of BAS in projects related to the development and patenting of innovations in the field of defence and dual-use products. Among the topics of conversation was also the modern equipment available to the Academy. As a drawback, it was emphasized that more companies need to be informed about it.

Minister Mladenova was also briefed on some of the new projects of BAS. The meeting was also attended by Deputy Minister of Innovation and Growth Borislav Bankov and scientists from BAS.