Publications

How can biological resources be used more efficiently without compromising food security, natural ecosystems or social fairness? Addressing this challenge requires not only new technologies, but also better governance, evidence-based policies and the active involvement of businesses and local communities. CASI-BIO aims to turn the principles of a sustainable bioeconomy into practical solutions that can be applied across different economic and social contexts. Jointly coordinated by the Applied Research and Communications Fund (ARC Fund) and Technology Partners Foundation (TPF), Poland, the...

The Innovation.bg 2025 report presents an up-to-date assessment of the state of the innovation system in Bulgaria, emphasizing the need for technological renewal, digital transformation, and strategic adaptation to the changing global context. Despite some positive trends, such as widespread access to high-speed internet, growth in the ICT sector, and the use of digital services, Bulgaria remains among the “emerging innovators” and, for another year, has failed to move into the more advanced group of “moderate innovators” in the EU. The country ranks 26th in the...

Three new digital platforms have been created to facilitate transnational cooperation and the effective participation of stakeholders from the Danube region in the implementation of the European Union’s two climate missions. The platforms, created as part of the HARMONMISSIONS initiative, work in sync to share knowledge, support projects, and build partnerships within Mission 1 (Adaptation to Climate Change) and Mission 4 (100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030). The SHARED platform connects stakeholders in the Danube region with resources, projects, knowledge, and good practices...

The Global Trade and Innovation Policy Alliance, which ARC Fund joined in 2025, has published its highly influential and important new report, “How America’s Trading Partners are Reacting to US Tariffs.” Presenting cases from 16 countries around the world, it provides a comprehensive overview of the ongoing global geoeconomics rebalancing. The Applied Research and Communications fund contributed with the piece on Bulgaria and its position within Europe. 
The full report is available on the website of the Global Trade and Innovation Policy Alliance.
Read here the contribution on Bulgaria. 

People over the age of 50 are becoming an increasingly large number of the population; consequently, they are also acquiring a significantly bigger role in the economic activity of both Bulgaria and other countries. Due to the prevalence of this phenomenon, the Applied Research and Communications team is focusing on the access of women in their silver age to the labour market through its participation in the project INSPIRE: Intersectional Spaces of Participation: Inclusive, Resilient, Embedded, financed under the Horizon Europe programme. In a broadcast by Radio Focus, sociologist Slavyanka...

The SYNCLUSIVE project aims to implement a systematic approach to bridging the employment gap and creating a more inclusive labour market for vulnerable groups. Its second policy brief draws on the experiences derived from national living labs held in Bulgaria, Finland, the Netherlands and Portugal, and explores how coalition-based strategies may address the systemic barriers in the labour market faced by vulnerable groups. If they are left unaddressed, these barriers often result in fragmented service provision, mismatched priorities, and governance gaps. The role and impact of regional...

With the adoption of the euro in 2026, Bulgaria faces a unique opportunity to make a qualitative leap in its global competitiveness. Building on a solid foundation of macroeconomic stability, fiscal discipline, and a dynamic technology sector, the country has the potential to fully capitalize on its membership in Europe’s economic elite. However, this progress is threatened by structural problems which, if left unresolved, could undermine its future growth. This analysis examines the advantages, opportunities, and challenges facing the Bulgarian economy through the lens of the four pillars of...

With over 30 years of leadership in fostering innovation, international cooperation, and knowledge transfer, the Applied Research and Communications Fund (ARC Fund) has been a key driver of Europe and Bulgaria’s transition to a knowledge-based economy. We are proud to announce our membership in the Global Trade and Innovation Policy Alliance (GTIPA), a global network of over 50 leading think tanks dedicated to advancing innovation-driven, open, and evidence-based economic policies. At a time of growing global trade tensions and economic uncertainty, GTIPA promotes cooperation, productivity...

The first SYNCLUSIVE policy brief is intended for EU stakeholders, as well as those on a national and regional level, that are involved in the inclusion of vulnerable groups in the labour market. It introduces the project and its main objectives, presents the ENGINE approach and regional coalitions as innovative strategies to improve the recruitment, retention and career development of vulnerable groups in the labour market, updates the findings on the challenges faced by vulnerable groups, and shows how SYNCLUSIVE can align with and potentially improve existing policies. SYNCLUSIVE aims to...