ERAWATCH Country Reports 2012: Bulgaria

This analytical country report is one of a series of annual ERAWATCH reports produced for EU Member States and Countries Associated to the Seventh Framework Programme for Research of the European Union (FP7). The main objective of the ERAWATCH Annual Country Reports is to characterise and assess the performance of national research systems and related policies in a structured manner that is comparable across countries. The Country Report 2012 builds on and updates the 2011 edition. The report identifies the structural challenges of the national research and innovation system and assesses the match between the national priorities and the structural challenges, highlighting the latest developments, their dynamics and impact in the overall national context. They further analyse and assess the ability of the policy mix in place to consistently and efficiently tackle these challenges. These reports were originally produced in December 2012, focusing on policy developments over the previous twelve months. The reports were produced by independent experts under direct contract with IPTS. The analytical framework and the structure of the reports have been developed by the Institute for Prospective Technological Studies of the Joint Research Centre (JRC-IPTS) and Directorate General for Research and Innovation with contributions from external experts.JRC.J.2-Knowledge for Growt

ERAWATCH Country Reports 2013: Bulgaria

The Analytical Country Reports analyse and assess in a structured manner the evolution of the national policy research and innovation in the perspective of the wider EU strategy and goals, with a particular focus on the performance of the national research and innovation (R&I) system, their broader policy mix and governance. The 2013 edition of the Country Reports highlight national policy and system developments occurring since late 2012 and assess, through dedicated sections: -National progress in addressing Research and Innovation system challenges; -National progress in addressing the 5 ERA priorities; -The progress at Member State level towards achieving the Innovation Union; -The status and relevant features of Regional and/or National Research and Innovation Strategies on Smart Specialisation (RIS3); -As far relevant, country Specific Research and Innovation (R&I) Recommendations. Detailed annexes in tabular form provide access to country information in a concise and synthetic manner. The reports were originally produced in December 2013, focusing on policy developments occurring over the preceding twelve months.JRC.J.2-Knowledge for Growt

Information Society Development in Bulgaria

The rapidly changing nature of modern societies needs to enable the benchmarking of progress through statistical indicators. The book is taking up the challenge of using newly developed innovative information society indicators, tested and piloted in a representative survey held in all EU Member States, Switzerland and the United States in 2002 and in ten new associated states in 2003. The first part of the book concerns benchmarking Information society development in Bulgaria. The topics presented and analysed are: ICT infrastructure and access; e-society and social inclusion; eeducation and life – long learning; e-economy and e-commerce; e-work; e-government. The first topic contains analysis of relevant indicators on Telecommunications, Access and Usage of ICT (use of e-mail, Internet access and use, methods of Internet access, effects of Internet use, barriers to using the Internet, access to mobile phone, effects of mobile phone use, Internet prices/affordability (OECD statistics), network access (telephone lines, ISPs, bandwidth) as well as analysis of indicators such as security concerns, reporting of security violations and security-related awareness and behaviour. Second topic focuses on analysis of all relevant results on social inclusion and some cross-analysis, such as combining results on Internet users by socio-economic characteristics like Internet use by place of access is carried out. The third topic, e-Education and Life-long-learning, focuses on relevant indicators on Education and Skills. It contains analysis of indicators like computers at schools and universities (data from national/other sources), company-provided training, training provided by other organisations, self-directed learning, modes of training (use of e-learning). The e-economy and e-Commerce chapter contains analysis of all relevant indicators like on-line activities and barriers to buying online. E-work and Employment part of the report presents analysis of indicators like home-based telework, intensity of home-based teleworking, interest in telework, perceived feasibility, mobile work (Intensity), mobile telework, co-operation with external contacts using ICTs, etc. The e-Government part contains analysis of indicators like preference for e-Government services, e-Government experience and barriers to e-Government. The second part of the book concerns methodological issues of benchmarking Information society development: methodology of the European 2002 survey, and methodology of the new associated states 2003 survey. A special accent has been put on the Information society development indicator overview and descriptions by domains and topics. Since the target audiences are policy makers and National Statistical Institutes, this book seeks to have an impact on both, the making of policies and the development of official information society statistics

Research and Technology in Bulgaria -Challenges both for Policy and Economic Actors

The paper discuss the role and importance of R&D in Bulgaria’s economy, summarizing the challenges both for policy and economic as follow: Increasing internal demand for domestic R&D activities and outcomes, mainly the business demand; Increasing foreign demand for domestic R&D activities and outcomes; Increasing the quality of R&D potential and quantity of R&D personnel. Among possible directions for increasing the Bulgarian R&D and economic cooperation in South Eastern Europe identified is increasing the hi-tech import from European and other world technology leaders as a condition for increasing of the volume and quality of specific areas of R&D and economic activities in the country, which may lead to increasing Bulgarian export and intensifying regional R&D and economic integration

Research and Technology in Bulgaria -Challenges both for Policy and Economic Actors

The paper discuss the role and importance of R&D in Bulgaria’s economy, summarizing the challenges both for policy and economic as follow: Increasing internal demand for domestic R&D activities and outcomes, mainly the business demand; Increasing foreign demand for domestic R&D activities and outcomes; Increasing the quality of R&D potential and quantity of R&D personnel. Among possible directions for increasing the Bulgarian R&D and economic cooperation in South Eastern Europe identified is increasing the hi-tech import from European and other world technology leaders as a condition for increasing of the volume and quality of specific areas of R&D and economic activities in the country, which may lead to increasing Bulgarian export and intensifying regional R&D and economic integration

Circular Economy as a New Stage of Economic Development

The chapter is devoted to understanding circular economy as a new stage of economic development, which is aimed to respect limited quantity of water, soil, clean air and ecosystem services, strongly connected to the new global social tensions, and how to achieve this stage. The literature survey has shown the current concepts for circular economy discuss new usage of resources, but not who and how will provide such changes. That is why it is suggested application of the Hegelian doctrine for economic development which is answering similar (we mean social) to the above questions – how to get freedom and society consolidation in market economy, suggesting state regulation of market economy. Consequently such regulation is needed to overcome the social tensions strongly connected to limited quantity of resources, vital for the future of society. Taking this doctrine as a theoretical background, it is assumed each new stage of economic development is characterised by different content of goals, subject and means for achieving the goals. The applicability of the notion circular economy is a new stage of economic development is tested and approved by demonstrated contemporary changes in policies for economic development, taking place in the European union, by recently changed and achieved goals of its development

Innovation policy in seven candidate countries: the challenges. Final Report Volume 2.1 Innovation Policy Profile: Bulgaria

The presented report is an analysis of the innovation policy profile of Bulgaria prepared under the study on “Innovation Policy in Seven Candidate Countries: The Challenges”. The study was carried out for the countries Bulgaria, Slovakia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta Romania, and Turkey. It covers developments mainly since 1996, but in some cases, longer periods are included in order to illustrate special issues regarding the country or to use officially published statistics. Where no official reports or evaluation studies existed, other public financed studies or surveys by international funding agencies and academic organisations were used. The study was divided into three stages. Three interim reports were prepared in January, May and September 2002, respectively. For the preparation of the interim and final reports, in addition to the documentary analysis, faceto- face or phone interviews were also conducted with policy-makers, business representatives, entrepreneurs and representatives of innovation support organisations. In addition, during August and September 2002, an opinion survey was carried out with a sample of 50 companies and private sector stakeholders. The purpose of the survey was to collect opinions mainly in three areas; firstly, on the influence of the legal and economic environment on business innovation; secondly, to seek the views of the private actors on current policy developments and specific measures in favour of innovation; and, thirdly, to ascertain views with respect to networks and diffusion mechanisms in the innovation system. On October 12 2002, an innovation policy workshop was organised with representatives of innovative companies, chambers, industrial federations, policy-makers and innovation support organisations. The purpose of the workshop was to provide a forum for debate on the initial national conclusions and analysis and also on the results of the opinion survey. The present report is divided into four sections. The first section presents information on the innovation policy framework of Bulgaria; the trends in terms of economic transition and accession; main developments in innovation policy; actors of the innovation policy community; initiatives taken to monitor and collect data on innovation; and legal and administrative environment for innovation. Findings on the analysis of education and training initiatives in favour of innovation and on the uptake of information and communication technologies are described in the second section. Section three analyses business innovation interfaces and support measures, looking in detail at the research community-industry co-operation and the support for start-ups and new technology based firms and business networks for innovation. Section four presents the conclusions, which summarize and highlight a number of key issues arising from the study that was conducted mainly during the period 2001 to November 2002 through the literature review, interviews, an opinion survey and an innovation policy workshop. Conclusions refer to the legal and economic framework for innovation, priorities and infrastructure support measures, state of the art, performance and networks for business for innovation. Also, the main framework conditions influencing innovation intensity in the country are assessed and priorities for innovation policy are identified. Specific trajectories of NIS support in the country are summarized and the main steps to developing an innovation policy in Bulgaria are identified

Supporting Digital Literacy Public Policies and Stakeholders' Initiatives. Country report. Bulgaria

This report is a part of the study "Supporting Digital Literacy Public Policies and Stakeholders' Initiatives", which involves data collection and analysis in a large number of countries, with a view to achieving several interlinked objectives, and in order to facilitate the realisation of one overall objective: To contribute to the enhancement of digital literacy in Europe by stimulating new and improved initiatives and tools at all levels. Thus, in the context of the EU's social inclusion agenda and the renewed Lisbon Strategy,improving digital literacy has become a key priority. Therefore, there is now a need for an oversight over relevant and promising initiatives and strategies to promote digital literacy, so that the Union, the Members States and relevant stakeholders can act in the most efficient manner. The aim is to support the development of societies where the opportunities benefits offered by Information and Communication Technologies can be utilized by all citizens. Key data sources, described and analysed on are as follow: . The initial interviews, carried out with relevant key government agency representatives or other stakeholders where relevant at specific initiatives level, and elected regional representatives. . The initial scan of relevant policy documents. o The country report available through the European Commission's website "Supporting Po I i cy Development for e-Inc lus ion" (wwULtpltgy.eD. o The European Commission's e-leaming programmel, which contains information on a number of directly relevant projects, the specific digital literacy overview page under EACEA's website, and many relevant projects, including "DigEuLit",2 Emigra,3 and Digital Competence Screenreader Networka, also the internet in general, using the national translation of "digital literacy", "e-skills" and similar concepts were searched also. The remaining sections cover three overall levels, in the following order: 1. The strategic level / the policy level 2. The level of specific initiatives for promoting digital literacy 3. The level of specific initiatives for measuring or monitoring digital literacy

Supporting Digital Literacy Public Policies and Stakeholders' Initiatives. Country report. Bulgaria

This report is a part of the study "Supporting Digital Literacy Public Policies and Stakeholders' Initiatives", which involves data collection and analysis in a large number of countries, with a view to achieving several interlinked objectives, and in order to facilitate the realisation of one overall objective: To contribute to the enhancement of digital literacy in Europe by stimulating new and improved initiatives and tools at all levels. Thus, in the context of the EU's social inclusion agenda and the renewed Lisbon Strategy,improving digital literacy has become a key priority. Therefore, there is now a need for an oversight over relevant and promising initiatives and strategies to promote digital literacy, so that the Union, the Members States and relevant stakeholders can act in the most efficient manner. The aim is to support the development of societies where the opportunities benefits offered by Information and Communication Technologies can be utilized by all citizens. Key data sources, described and analysed on are as follow: . The initial interviews, carried out with relevant key government agency representatives or other stakeholders where relevant at specific initiatives level, and elected regional representatives. . The initial scan of relevant policy documents. o The country report available through the European Commission's website "Supporting Po I i cy Development for e-Inc lus ion" (wwULtpltgy.eD. o The European Commission's e-leaming programmel, which contains information on a number of directly relevant projects, the specific digital literacy overview page under EACEA's website, and many relevant projects, including "DigEuLit",2 Emigra,3 and Digital Competence Screenreader Networka, also the internet in general, using the national translation of "digital literacy", "e-skills" and similar concepts were searched also. The remaining sections cover three overall levels, in the following order: 1. The strategic level / the policy level 2. The level of specific initiatives for promoting digital literacy 3. The level of specific initiatives for measuring or monitoring digital literacy

Information Society Development in Bulgaria

The rapidly changing nature of modern societies needs to enable the benchmarking of progress through statistical indicators. The book is taking up the challenge of using newly developed innovative information society indicators, tested and piloted in a representative survey held in all EU Member States, Switzerland and the United States in 2002 and in ten new associated states in 2003. The first part of the book concerns benchmarking Information society development in Bulgaria. The topics presented and analysed are: ICT infrastructure and access; e-society and social inclusion; eeducation and life – long learning; e-economy and e-commerce; e-work; e-government. The first topic contains analysis of relevant indicators on Telecommunications, Access and Usage of ICT (use of e-mail, Internet access and use, methods of Internet access, effects of Internet use, barriers to using the Internet, access to mobile phone, effects of mobile phone use, Internet prices/affordability (OECD statistics), network access (telephone lines, ISPs, bandwidth) as well as analysis of indicators such as security concerns, reporting of security violations and security-related awareness and behaviour. Second topic focuses on analysis of all relevant results on social inclusion and some cross-analysis, such as combining results on Internet users by socio-economic characteristics like Internet use by place of access is carried out. The third topic, e-Education and Life-long-learning, focuses on relevant indicators on Education and Skills. It contains analysis of indicators like computers at schools and universities (data from national/other sources), company-provided training, training provided by other organisations, self-directed learning, modes of training (use of e-learning). The e-economy and e-Commerce chapter contains analysis of all relevant indicators like on-line activities and barriers to buying online. E-work and Employment part of the report presents analysis of indicators like home-based telework, intensity of home-based teleworking, interest in telework, perceived feasibility, mobile work (Intensity), mobile telework, co-operation with external contacts using ICTs, etc. The e-Government part contains analysis of indicators like preference for e-Government services, e-Government experience and barriers to e-Government. The second part of the book concerns methodological issues of benchmarking Information society development: methodology of the European 2002 survey, and methodology of the new associated states 2003 survey. A special accent has been put on the Information society development indicator overview and descriptions by domains and topics. Since the target audiences are policy makers and National Statistical Institutes, this book seeks to have an impact on both, the making of policies and the development of official information society statistics