15 February 2008
On February 7th, 2008 ARC Fund organized the Fourth National Innovation Forum at the Sheraton Sofia Hotel Balkan. The event was organized jointly with the Ministry of Economy and Energy and the World Bank Sofia Mission.
The Fourth National Innovation Forum was opened by Dr. Ognian Shentov, Chairman of the Board of ARC Fund. In his keynote speech he pointed out three factors crucial for the future of the national innovation system:
- The global trends set innovations as key factor for economic growth, progress and prosperity. The competition on the innovation field increases with the emergence of the new Asian giants – China and India. Germany, France, UK and many of the new Member States announced particular national measures in support of the innovation environment. Bulgaria needs many bold investments “here and now”, in order the positive effect to be felt in 10 to 15 years.
- Bulgaria needs integrated innovation policy binding together the elements of science and technology policies and having efficient coordination mechanisms with the other economic policies.
- The development of a successful national innovation policy in the EU context requires personal political engagement at highest level in Bulgaria.
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For more information about the Innovation Forum, please visit the detailed report on the ARC Fund website.