The Applied Research and Communications Fund facilitates public, multi-actor deliberative processes on societal challenges stemming from research and innovation. Responsible research and innovation are closely linked to sustainable development and thus represent a horizontal topic in the research studies conducted by ARC Fund.
Focal areas of our research are energy transition, energy citizenship and renewable energy, access of vulnerable societal groups to the labor market, public engagement in policy design, technology assessment of the impact of new technology on society, economy and environment, as well as workplace innovations and public-sector innovations.
Policy conference, 19 Oct 2023, Brussels
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October 5, 2023
1 min read
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
In the period 29 – 30 June 2023, ARC Fund and Sofia Development Association organized a policy-learning workshop on the topic “Transformative visions for territorial development”, within the project Leveraging Leadership for Responsible Research and Innovation in Territories, funded by Horizon 2020 program. Integration of responsible research and innovation in territorial policymaking was in the focus of the discussions among experts from Switzerland, Denmark, Spain, Greece and Bulgaria, Norway, Belgium and Germany. Representatives of the municipalities of Sofia (Bulgaria), Sabadell...
In June, the first expert discussion within the framework of the “Wind” Ideas Lab: Just and effective development of wind energy in North-East Bulgaria” (within JustWind4All) was held. The topic was specifically dedicated to spatial planning approaches for wind development acceleration zones. The meeting was attended by representatives of municipalities in Bulgaria and leading wind associations and investors, as well as individual independent researchers. In the course of the discussion, a two-stage approach to mapping and identifying Renewable Energy Accelerated Zones was...
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...
The “Get ready for Japan” training will take place onsite again after a break due to the pandemic. The event has a long history, dating back to 1987. During this period, the initiative has provided over 600 European companies with knowledge of Japanese cultural values and the opportunity to experience the formula for success in the Japanese market. In 2023, the two-week programme will take place from 15 to 26 May in Tokyo, Japan. The training is designed for SMEs, with a focus on business management, successful business practices and negotiation styles with local businesses. It...
February 22, 2023
1 min read
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
On 17 March 2023, meetings of the Innovation Expert Council and the Innovation Business Club of the Applied Research and Communications Fund will be held. These meetings are an independent but complementary part of the Innovation in Agribusiness event programme, a joint initiative of the Faculty of Economics of Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski, the Applied Research and Communications Fund, CleanTech Bulgaria, and the Professional Association of Robotics and Automation (PARA). The activities of the Expert Council and the Business Club are an integral part of the preparation of the annual...
February 13, 2023
3 min read
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
