10/2017-04/2018

Key objective: To increase the effectiveness and strengthen the functional and operational capacity of Sofia Tech Park in Bulgaria.

Key stakeholders: The Ministry of Economy of Bulgaria, which is the Managing Authority of the European Funds for Competitiveness Directorate-General. Other stakeholders include publically funded research organisations and universities in Bulgaria.

Project summary: Sofia Tech Park is Bulgaria’s first science and technology park, which is set to host national, regional and global researchers and innovative companies, thereby showcasing and strengthening the knowledge economy of Bulgaria and the Balkans. The role of JRC was to provide independent assessment and tailor-made expert advice and recommendations. The JRC set up an independent panel composed of experts in science-park design and management of international repute. The project components include a laboratory complex (main research infrastructure), an innovation forum, a business incubator building, a museum - “experimentarium”, a multi-storey parking and sport areas and facilities. The 11 laboratories range from robotics and artificial intelligence to microelectronics, biotechnologies and others. The Sofia Tech Park project is co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Project outcomes: A report, identifying bottlenecks and challenges and providing recommendations framed in two complementary scenarios. The core recommendations refer to the degree of involvement of the State and that of the private sector, as well as to the provision of value adding services and the development of the available land.

Project activities: The performed activities included a field study, detailed review of the background documentation of the project, identification of bottlenecks and challenges and the provision of recommendations framed in two complementary scenarios. In addition to the main issue (the need for State engagement and financing) the report recommended a gradual transition to more industry engagement. Furthermore, the report stressed the need to amend the business model, to change the concept for the development of the land and to restructure the governance and managerial system, among others.

Contact: Stoyan Kaymaktchiyski and Elena Andonova, Competence Centre for Technology Transfer, JRC