The year of 2024 marked the 20th anniversary of the Innovation.bg flagship initiative of ARC Fund: the 20th National Innovation Forum and the Innovation Enterprise of the Year Awards were held on 10 December 2024, bringing together representatives from business, science, and the public sector. Organized by the Applied Research and Communications Fund and Enterprise Europe Network – Bulgaria, with support from the European Commission and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, the event served as a key platform for sharing innovative ideas and best practices.
In 2024, ARC Fund strengthened its role as coordinator of the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) – Bulgaria, providing critical support to SMEs amid political uncertainty and limited national programs. The network assisted over 3,000 businesses with international growth, financing, and partnership opportunities, bolstered by an upgraded website and expanded online presence. ARC Fund also guided 35 SMEs through tailored digital transformation plans, helping them adopt advanced technologies and transition to sustainable, smart manufacturing. Additionally, it promoted the use of advanced materials through enhanced knowledge-sharing in the Danube Region and developed a strategic plan to support SMEs in embracing innovation in key technological areas.
In 2024, ARC Fund advanced inclusive and sustainable solutions to key societal challenges, focusing on civic engagement, energy citizenship, and social inclusion. It led democratic participation workshops in six countries, generating actionable recommendations presented at a major Brussels conference. A Europe-wide survey involving over 10,000 participants highlighted gaps in public involvement in the energy transition, shaping strategies for more inclusive policies. ARC Fund also partnered with the Municipality of Gabrovo on conceptualizing urban green infrastructure projects.
