UNWE Hosted a Discussion on Increasing the Investment in Science

A discussion on Science and Innovation: Investments, Results and Social Impact. Are Science Expenditures Sufficient and How Can We Increase Their Effectiveness? was held at the UNWE, organized by the Ministry of Education and Science.

Prof. Kostadin Kostadinov, advisor to the Minister of Education and Science, Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov, Rector of UNWE, Yulian Popov, Minister of Environment and Water, Prof. Sergey Ignatov, Minister of Education and Science, Acad. Nikolay Vitanov, Deputy Minister of Education and Science /from the left to the right/

“Today’s discussion on the role of science is of utmost importance. It is fitting for a university to serve as such a platform for discussion, because this is a traditional theme in our teaching and in our lives - how science can help the society and how it can better solve the problems that exist. Especially today - in the context of digitalization, artificial intelligence, energy crises and a number of other challenges. In difficult times the society always turns to the science. We can give many examples of how the scientific research and discoveries have given impetus to entire industries and have supported the society development”, said Rector of UNWE Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov at the opening of the Forum.

The Minister of Education and Science Prof. Sergey Ignatov emphasized on the necessity to engage more people in scientific research in Bulgaria, as well as to increase the investment in science and innovation. He noted that the country remains below the European average in terms of the number of scientists and teachers and at the same time faces challenges in keeping the talents. According to him, a key role in the sector’s development is played by the modernization of infrastructure and the creation of a modern educational environment through the STEM centers which provide opportunities for learning through practice, technology and innovation.

During the Forum the participants discussed opportunities for building a more effective model for managing and funding the scientific research based on results, quality and societal impact.

The Minister of Environment and Water Yulian Popov presented some proposals for more direct funding of universities and research organizations when conducting studies commissioned by the institutions. Emphasis was also placed on the necessity of closer relation between the science and the public policy, including through the introduction of a scientific component in the implementation of publicly funded projects.

The Deputy Minister of Education and Science Acad. Nikolay Vitanov presented the latest data on the development of the research system in Bulgaria. Over the past decade there has been a significant increase of scientific publications — from 4 299 in 2014 to 8 992 in 2024, and over the past two years approximately €366 million of public funding has been allocated to promote the scientific research as the funding increasing by approximately 25% — from €163 million in 2024 to €202.8 million in 2025.

Since 2018 over 20 mission-oriented programmes have been implemented with investments exceeding €80 million in key areas such as climate change, digital transformation, low-carbon energy, biotechnology and cultural and historical heritage. The programme Research, Innovation, and Digitalization for Smart Transformation approved by the European Commission provides for an investment of over €1 billion in joint projects between the science and the business.

In the discussion took part representatives of universities and the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences.

Before the discussion the Rector held a meeting with the Minister of Education and Science.