site.btaBulgaria Needs More People Engaged in Scientific Research, Increased Investment in Science and Innovation, Education Minister Says

Caretaker Education and Science Minister Sergei Ignatov, speaking at the opening of a forum on science and innovation at the University of National and World Economy (UNWE), said that Bulgaria needs more people engaged in scientific research, as well as increased investment in science and innovation, the press centre of the Ministry announced. Ignatov, together with caretaker Environment and Water Minister Julian Popov, took part in a discussion on whether science expenditures are sufficient and how can their effectiveness increase.

Minister Ignatov noted that Bulgaria remains below the European average in terms of the number of scientists and faculty members in the academic sector, while at the same time facing challenges in keeping talent in the country. According to him, the modernization of infrastructure also plays a significant role in the development of science. Opportunities to increase investment in science by establishing a more effective management and funding model based on results, quality, and impact were discussed at the event.

Environment and Water Minister Popov suggested that universities and research organizations conducting studies commissioned by institutions should be able to receive more direct funding for these activities. The possibility of strengthening the link between science and public policy by introducing a requirement for a scientific component in the implementation of consulting services and projects funded with public funds was also presented.

At the forum, Deputy Minister of Education and Science Acad. Nikolay Vitanov presented the trends and challenges facing the research system in Bulgaria. In recent years, there have been positive trends related to increased investment in science and innovation. Publications by Bulgarian scientists have doubled over the past decade -from 4,299 in 2014 to 8,992 in 2024.

Over the past two years, a total of approximately EUR 366 million has been allocated from public sources to promote scientific research. Funding has increased from EUR 163 million in 2024 to EUR 202.8 million in 2025, an increase of approximately 25%.

The forum was hosted by UNWE Rector Prof. Dimitar Dimitrov and moderated by the advisor to the Minister of Education and Science, Prof. Kostadin Kostadinov. Representatives of higher education institutions and the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences also participated in the discussions, according to the Ministry of Education and Science.