Over 700 representatives of academic and business spheres in Bulgaria take part in a two-day forum in Sofia dedicated to the new EU program for scientific studies and innovations Horizon 2020. The program is a continuation of the framework program (2007- 2013) and looks for establishing links between science and the business. The program totals 80 billion euro for the period 2014-2020 for the whole of the EU.

The program helps the full cycle of creation of new products and innovations, Deputy DG of Science and Innovations Dept.  in the EC Wolfgang Burtscher said (you can hear the full statement in the audio file). The aim is to stimulate the development of products and service in this sphere and increasing the competitiveness of the EU.

The application process takes place online, Minister of Education Anelia Klisarova says. The EC program would also help Bulgarian business establish a link with scientific organizations. According to the minister, the more people are included in a project, the more chances this project has for financing.

“The program aims at modernization of the sphere of science and innovations in Bulgaria. This means new laboratories, scientific centers and others in order to meet new challenges. A special attention must be paid to improving their capacity. The government aims at devising a strategy for the development of scientific research work in Bulgaria. Another measure includes changes in the Academic Staff Law in order to make more links between science, education and business. Last but not least, more financing will be spent on science.”

Minister Klisarova pointed out that not only European funds but also the Bulgarian fund for scientific research will be used. By the middle of March all the details regarding the fund will be published on the web site of the Ministry. By April 15 all requirements for application for financing will be published too. By September 1, details about selected projects under this fund will also be published on the site.

English version: Alexander Markov