Electronic Issue "Scientific Research"

ISSN: 1312-7535
Title European Innovation Initiatives and the Bulgarian Approach
Authors Vasil Sivov

Abstract

The study is dedicated to problems concerning European innovation strategy and its role for improving competitiveness and generating economic growth. The Commission seeks to develop the concept of "lead markets" where public authorities facilitate industry-led innovation by creating conditions for a successful market uptake of innovative products and services in a focused way. Primary targets are areas that respond to societal demands. The priority must be to establish strong innovation systems in all Member States. In terms of using EU funds to foster research and technology innovation, innovating could mean allocating structural funds for strengthening national research in addition to the already available Framework Programme and national R&D funds, rather than using these funds solely on infrastructure. That could be the stimulus for long term innovative environment foundation, increase the dynamics of innovation spread among the companies and create an opportunity to become a real innovator instead of passive technology user. Several initiatives ought to be taken immediately to improve the possibilities for innovation in Bulgaria. The most important are: the creation and development of a national innovation programme; creation and development of an action plan for innovation; establishing dedicated funding schemes for financing innovation and supporting the creation of innovative firms; and creating a specific government body with responsibility for development and co-ordination of innovation policy. Key words: European innovation policy, information and communication technologies /ICT's/, Bulgarian innovation approach.


References

1. A Broad-based Innovation Strategy for the EU. European Innovation, November 2006. 2. Arundel A., Hollander H. European Trend Chart of Innovation. Strengths and Weaknesses. MERIT, European Commission, Enterprise Directorate General, Dec. 2005. 3. Progress towards the Lisbon Objectives in Education and Training. Commission of the European Communities, Brussels 16. 05. 2006. 4. European Innovation Scoreboard 2005. Base Findings. Commission of the European Communities, Brussels, Dec. 2005. 5. European Innovation Progress Report 2006. Trend Chart. Bulgaria. EUR 22410. Luxembourg: Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, 2006, p. 219. 6. Annual Innovation Policy Trends and Appraisal Report - Bulgaria 2004-2005. European Commission, Enterprise Directorate-General. Report by P. Stankov, CED, Brussels 2006, p. 1. 7. Trend Chart. Innovation Policy in Europe. European Commission, Brussels 2006. 8. Conclusions on a Broad-Based Innovation Strategy: Strategic Priorities for Innovation Action at EU Level. Council of the European Union, 2769th Competitiveness (Internal Market, Industry and Research). Council meeting Brussels, 4 December 2006, p. 4. 9. Innovation.bg 2007: Bulgaria's Innovation System in the EU. CED, ARC Fund, Third National Innovation Forum, Sofia, 19 December 2006.


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