site.btaForum Seeks to Foster Closer Relationship between Science and Business

The 5th “Science for Business” Forum in Sofia on Tuesday sought to encourage entrepreneurs to familiarize themselves with the innovations and the projects of the research institutes under the umbrella of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS). The event, organized by the BAS and the Bulgarian Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion Agency, brought together scientists, experts and business people.

“The BAS’ mission is to work for the intellectual and material well-being of our society,” BAS President Evelina Slavcheva said, opening the forum. According to her, the event has become a platform for building effective links between science and industry.

She noted that both the scientific community and businesspeople should be more active in their mutual contacts. She called for more attention to new technology and more trust in Bulgarian science. “It is a well-known fact that investing in science is risky. Statistical data show that even one successful investment out of 10 can bring a huge return, much bigger than the return on safe investments with limited effect made under government programmes,” Slavcheva said.

According to her, it is about time that Bulgarian businesses begin to put money in technologies and products developed by local scientists. “This is the only way for Bulgaria to gain a worthy position in the European scene and build a competitive, knowledge-based economy,” she said.