DRIVING EXCELLENCE IN INNOVATION

APPLIED RESEARCH AND COMMUNICATIONS FUND

ARC FUND
ARC FUND

Publications

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Innovation.bg 2024

The Innovation.bg report provides an annual assessment of the innovation potential of the Bulgarian economy and the state and development opportunities of the Bulgarian innovation system. It includes recommendations for improving public policy on innovation in Bulgaria and in the EU, drawing on the latest theoretical and empirical research and taking into account the specific economic, political, cultural and institutional framework in which the country’s innovation system develops. Twenty years ago, in 2004, before Bulgaria became a full member of the European Union, it was in the group of...

January 8, 2025
2 min read

Digitization of small and medium enterprises

In a large-scale European survey, organized and conducted by experts of the Applied Research and Communication Found, regarding the level of digital maturity and the need for innovative training of manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises, the main challenges to the introduction of digital technologies were highlighted, among which are: Lack of clear and correctly identified priorities at the European level regarding the real needs of the business; Shortage of highly qualified workforce; Underestimated amount of investments in the construction of “smart” factories; Lack of...

August 10, 2023
1 min read

New methodology for evaluation of the Operational Plan of the National Strategy for Development of Scientific Research

In the last months, representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science (MoES) and experts from ARC Fund have collected and analysed good European and international practices for monitoring and evaluation of public policies and programs. On the basis of a developed list of strategic, programme and other related documents at national, regional and sectoral level, indicators and metrics have been identified against which research policy assessments have been established. As a result of the good practices, a new methodology was developed to evaluate the implementation of the Operational...

April 6, 2023
3 min read

Ministry of Education and Science and ARC Fund update the Operational Plan of the National Strategy for Development of Scientific Research

Research and innovation have an essential role to play in creating and sustaining an inclusive, competitive and resilient Europe, by increasing the sustainability of manufacturing sectors, making the economy more competitive and increasing cooperation between science, government and business. As a result of COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine, Bulgaria is facing medium to long-term labour shortages, as well as a lack of necessary skills and competences among its human capital, caused by an ageing population and high level of emigration. The wide spreading demographic crisis is a key challenge...

February 14, 2023
2 min read

A survey to increase digital competence in the agricultural sector

The Bulgarian and European digital innovation hub for agriculture, AgroHub.bg (AgroDigiRise), whose partner is the Applied Research and Communications Fund, is conducting a survey to build its diverse portfolio for the development of the sector by providing access to technology solutions and a range of services to support digital transformation. Creating an enabling business environment requires consideration of needs and coordination between all stakeholders and actors – institutions, science, business and farmers. The initiative will provide free trainings and services to farmers...

February 3, 2023
2 min read

Urban agriculture – policies and good practices

Urban agriculture is a global and rapidly growing trend with great potential for green, social and technological innovation. This process is relatively new, unfamiliar and challenging for policy makers who need to rethink existing regulatory frameworks and policies on urban planning, land use, green spaces and infrastructure to develop a more integrated policy framework. CityZen is an INTERREG Europe Program project that promotes urban farming policies and their key role in better resource efficiency in cities. To this end, eight organisations from five EU regions have joined forces and...

December 21, 2022
1 min read

Handbook: ‘DIY vertical garden for urban farming’

Experts, students and volunteers from civic initiatives have developed DIY kits for vertical mini urban gardens under the CityZen urban farming initiative of the Applied Research and Communications Fund, Sofia Development Association and Sofia Green Program. The guide provides an opportunity for anyone with the tools at hand to create a calming space with a visual connection to nature in their home or office. The benefits of urban farming are numerous and go far beyond aestheticizing the surroundings. Gardens contribute to better air quality, reduce noise, save resources and shorten the path...

December 19, 2022
1 min read

Innovation.bg 2022

The Innovation.bg report provides an annual assessment of the innovation potential of the Bulgarian economy and the state and development opportunities of the Bulgarian innovation system. It contains recommendations for improving public policy on innovation in Bulgaria and in the EU, drawing on the latest theoretical and empirical research and taking into account the specific economic, political, cultural and institutional framework in which the country’s innovation system develops. The 2022 report Innovation.bg notes that in 2022, the EU will have the highest innovation performance in...

December 9, 2022
1 min read

A comprehensive model for building key competences in schools

A methodological guide for developing key skills and competences across the whole school from grades 1 to 12 across the curriculum. Successfully tested during one school year in 90 secondary schools in Sofia. Contains links to additional materials for applying the methodology: 
PDF

July 22, 2022
1 min read

Youth lead the change

Methodology for training young people as peer educators on the topic of online sexual exploitation prevention:
PDF
 

December 21, 2021
1 min read