Teodora Georgieva
MY BACKGROUND:
I am a senior fellow at the Applied Research and Communication Fund in Sofia, Bulgaria. The ARC Fund is the only Bulgarian think-tank with a strong track record in the field of innovation policy and technology transfer. As part of the ARC Fund’s team, I am part of the process of developing and implementing strategic and programme documents at national, regional and business levels in the field of innovation and technology transfer. Apart from that, I also have more than 20-years teaching and research experience in the system of higher education. Currently, I am a Professor in the field of Strategic management of science, technology and innovation.
WHY AM I INTERESTED IN RESPONSIBLE RESEARCH AND INNOVATION:
My primary research interests are in the area of science, technology and innovation with a primary focus on the research and innovation eco-system at national, regional and sectoral level; innovation potential of the national economy and the company level; forms and mechanisms of technology transfer; intellectual capital and its efficient exploitation. My understanding is that the innovations are a significant factor for improving the quality of life and for addressing the global challenges. To this end, the research results have to be implemented into practice in a friendly way to people and the environment.
WHAT DO I HOPE TO LEARN / CONTRIBUTE AS COUNTRY CORRESPONDENT:
Based on my more than 20-years teaching and research experience in the system of higher education, and as part of the Applied Research and Communication Fund’ team since 2004, I gain an excellent understanding and knowledge of Bulgarian research and innovation eco-system and political agenda. From different perspectives, I have taken part in the preparation and implementation of prominent documents tracing the development of the research and innovation field in the country.
Presently, the strategic framework in the field of science and innovation for the next programme period 2021-2027 is under preparation in Bulgaria, and I hope to have the opportunity to increase the focus on IRR related issues and to widen the discussion on this topic involving representatives from both institutions and research and higher education institutions.