Research and Innovation background
Bulgaria's research and innovation landscape is guided by several key organisations and strategic documents. The Ministry of Education and Science is the primary body responsible for overseeing research and innovation policies, working closely with the Bulgarian National Science Fund (BNSF), which provides funding for scientific research across various disciplines. Additionally, the Ministry of Economy and Industry plays a significant role in promoting innovation, particularly through initiatives aimed at boosting the competitiveness of Bulgarian industries. The country's strategy for research and innovation is outlined in the Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialization (IS3), which identifies key areas of focus such as ICT, biotechnology, and mechatronics, aiming to enhance Bulgaria's role in the European Research Area. The National Strategy for Development of Scientific Research in the Republic of Bulgaria (2017 – 2030) provides guidance on the organisation and control of the strategy implementation.
The National Development Programme Bulgaria 2030 further supports these goals, outlining a long-term vision for integrating research and innovation into the country's economic growth and societal progress. The strategic framework document is set out with three objectives:
- Accelerated economic development
- Demographic upswing
- Reduction of inequalities
These three goals will be implemented through targeted policies and interventions grouped into five interconnected and integrated development axes; Innovative and Intelligent Bulgaria, Green and Sustainable Bulgaria, Connected and Integrated Bulgaria, Responsive and Just Bulgaria, and Spirited and Vital Bulgaria.
Since July 2011, transport research has been a national research priority. Transport research and innovation in Bulgaria are primarily overseen by the Ministry of Transport and Communications, which coordinates efforts to modernise and improve the country's transport systems.
The main policy and strategy documents that currently outline transport research and development are:
- National Plan for the Development of Combined Transport in Bulgaria by 2030
- Integrated Transport Strategy for the period until 2030: This serves as a key document guiding the development of sustainable and efficient transport infrastructure, with a focus on digitalization, green mobility, and the integration of Bulgaria's transport network with European corridors.
The National Reform Programme (NRP) was prepared in implementation of the Europe 2020 strategy and within the framework tool for better coordination of economic policies in the EU - the European semester.
(Last updated: 04/11/2024)
Institutional framework of transport research
The Ministry of Education and Science prepares and submits all major policy documents for approval by Parliament. In the Ministry, the main policymaking and coordination body is the National Council for Scientific Research. The Council approves all major research policy documents, including the National Strategy for Scientific Research and priorities for the National Science Fund.
The Ministries of Economy, Energy and Tourism also contributes to formulating research policies. The Ministries are responsible for developing and implementing national innovation policy, which also contains research elements. An advisory body, the National Council on Innovation, has also been established.
The National Transport Policy Directorate in the Ministry of Transport, Information Technology and Communications controls and monitors scientific, technological, standardisation and metrological activities in the transport sector. The Ministry has several executive agencies that function as regulatory bodies for the individual transport modes:
- Railway Administration;
- Road Transport Administration;
- Maritime Administration;
- Exploration and Maintenance of the Danube River;
- Directorate General Civil Aviation Administration.
(Last updated: 04/11/2024)
Funding Sources and Support Initiatives
Funding and support for transport research and innovation in Bulgaria are primarily provided through several national and EU-backed programmes. Some key funding instruments include:
- The National Science Fund, under the Ministry of Education and Science, promotes science and research initiatives at the national, regional and international level. Funds are distributed according to the provisions under the Law on Scientific Research Promotion.
- The National Innovation Fund, under the Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism, promotes and finances the development of a competitive knowledge-based industry in Bulgaria. The Fund is administrated by the Bulgarian Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion Agency (a government body under the Minister for Economy, Energy and Tourism).
- The Operational Programme Transport and Transport Infrastructure (OPTTI) focuses on the development and modernization of Bulgaria's transport infrastructure, with an emphasis on sustainability, safety, and integration into the European transport network. This program is co-financed by the European Union's Cohesion Fund and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), supporting projects that advance smart and green mobility.
- The Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialization (IS3) includes specific funding streams for transport-related innovation, particularly in areas like intelligent transport systems and the digitalization of logistics.
Additional funding is available in universities and research centres, and through bilateral and multilateral cooperation programmes between universities, under EU and other international programmes.
Development of the transport system in Bulgaria is currently supported by:
(Last updated: 04/11/2024)