site.btaBulgaria Focuses on Innovation-Driven Growth Under New Caretaker Minister

Timely implementation of EU-supported programmes and the development of the innovation ecosystem are among the priorities of Irena Mladenova, Minister of Innovation and Growth in the new caretaker government of Prime Minister Andrey Gurov. At a ceremony at the ministry, Mladenova took over the post from her predecessor, Tomislav Donchev, who was also deputy prime minister.

"I will work purposefully to create an environment in which ideas can develop, innovations thoughtfully lead to economic growth, and the results benefit businesses and people. I will also focus on the timely implementation of the ministry’s European programmes for businesses," Mladenova said.

She emphasized the importance of developing the innovation ecosystem. "It is precisely innovations that can advance our country’s economy to the next step, and this is our task and goal," she stated.

Upon taking office, Mladenova held a brief meeting and greeted representatives of the European Space Agency (ESA), who were visiting the ministry in connection with the annual review of current projects funded through ESA programmes.