On December 9, the 21st edition of the National Innovation Forum will take place. It is the most representative national platform for the exchange of ideas and cooperation between institutions, companies, and scientific circles, aimed at stimulating the innovative potential of the economy and increasing the competitiveness of Bulgarian companies. The forum brings together leaders from business, science, the public sector, as well as the entrepreneurial community, to jointly outline the direction of future development and focus on bold ideas that are changing the Bulgarian economy. In 2025, the National Innovation Forum is being held with the support of the European Commission Representation in Bulgaria and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.
During the event, the annual Innovation.bg report will be presented – a strategic analysis which assesses the innovative potential of the Bulgarian economy and the state and opportunities for development of the Bulgarian innovation system, as one of the European Commission’s seven priorities for the period 2024-2029 is a new plan for sustainable prosperity and competitiveness in Europe with a strong focus on innovation.
Trends in the transition to clean energy and the country’s progress in the context of European climate goals will be part of the discussion centred on the Sustainable Future: Clean Growth, Competitive Industry, and Economic Security report, which outlines key recommendations for accelerating decarbonization and strengthening the country’s energy and economic security.
A traditional highlight of the program is the announcement of the winners of the Innovative Enterprise of the Year competition, which recognizes companies that have proven that Bulgarian business can be creative and successful at the international level.
Among this year’s forum participants are:
- Ognian Shentov, Chairman, Applied Research and Communications Fund
- Norbert Beckmann-Dierkes, Head, Konrad Adenauer Foundation Representative Office in Bulgaria
- Ruslan Stefanov, Director of Strategy and Innovation, Applied Research and Communications Fund
- Vasil Terziev, Mayor of Sofia
- Doncho Barbalov, Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry
- Lilyana Pavlova, Senior Advisor, Applied Research and Communications Fund
- Nadezhda Gancheva, Senior Analyst, Energy and Climate Programme, Center for the Study of Democracy
- Krum Pavlov, Manager, Logisoft Ltd., Winner of the 2024 Innovative Enterprise of the Year award
The forum continues to be the most significant national innovation platform for dialogue and partnerships, focused on the implementation of new technologies, the development of scientific research, and the strengthening of business relations with European partners.
