Research and Innovation background
- Integrated Transport Strategy for the period until 2030: Defines R&I priorities guiding the development of sustainable and efficient transport infrastructure, with a focus on digitalisation, green mobility, and the integration of Bulgaria's transport network with European corridors. This includes the development of a national transport model, ITS deployment and data-driven planning tools supporting multimodal optimisation.
- National Plan for the Development of Combined Transport in Bulgaria by 2030: Adopted under broader transport reforms, this plan promotes modal shift to more sustainable transport options, aligning with EU targets for green mobility and freight optimisation. The plan includes innovation components in intermodal logistics such as terminal optimisation, digital freight systems and modal shift technologies.
Sofia Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (2019-2035): Includes pilot projects and innovation actions in intelligent transport systems, traffic modelling and data-driven mobility management.
(Last updated: 18/05/2026)
Institutional framework of transport research
- Ministry of Transport and Communications: Leads transport innovation policy including rail digitalisation and intermodal systems. The ministry also controls and monitors scientific, technological, standardisation and metrological activities in the transport sector.
Ministry of Innovation and Growth: Supports applied innovation and industrial research and development, including transport technologies and logistics innovation. Responsible for the Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialisation.
(Last updated: 18/05/2026)
Funding Sources and Support Initiatives
- Operational Programme Transport and Transport Infrastructure (OPTTI) (2021-2027): Focuses on research, development and modernisation of Bulgaria's transport infrastructure, with an emphasis on sustainability, safety, and integration into the European transport network. This programme is co-financed by the European Union's Cohesion Fund and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), supporting projects that advance smart and green mobility.
- Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialisation (IS3) (2021 - 2027): Includes specific funding streams for transport-related innovation, particularly in areas such as intelligent transport systems and the digitalisation of logistics.
Transport Connectivity Programme 2021-2027: Development of the transport system in Bulgaria, including development of intelligent transport systems and the implementation of innovative solutions for stable, intelligent, secure and intermodal TEN-T in line with the national transport policy goals. The programme is funded by the EU.
(Last updated: 18/05/2026)