Open calls

Within Component 2 of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan , a project has been developed to enhance the innovation capacity of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS). The investment includes measures aimed at building scientific networks and thematic teams and expert support to increase the participation and success rate of BAS units in competitions under the Horizon Europe framework program and other European programs. Deepening the internationalization of BAS research activities in the field of green and digital technologies is a prerequisite for deploying its innovation potential in areas that would support the country's dual transition.

A critical factor for the success of the innovation process in the country is the presence of strong scientific teams that prepare competitive and successful project proposals in calls under European and other international programs.

The procedure provides funding for:

• Building scientific networks and thematic teams;

Within the framework of this activity, it is envisaged to carry out short-term visits of scientists from the units of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences to leading scientific and innovation centers with the aim of creating contacts and including Bulgarian scientific teams in international scientific consortia and their participation in major international projects. Regional academic centers operating in most regional centers in the country may also participate in the activity.

• Preparation of project proposals with the participation of the units of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences in competitions under the Horizon Europe framework program and other European programs;

The assistance is aimed at preparing project applications for European and international institutions, which will be refined in all respects according to the work programs and conditions of the competitions. It is envisaged that the assistance will be in the form of consulting services to specify the financial and other parameters, including translation services.

• Attracting prominent researchers working in the field of green or digital technologies and with experience in preparing project proposals under European and other relevant programs;

The activity includes attracting foreign scientists and specialists, including from the Bulgarian scientific diaspora abroad, prominent in the field of green and digital technologies, to work temporarily at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences for certain periods of time. These prominent scientists and specialists will not only contribute to the absorption of leading world experience, but also to the improvement of the qualifications of the scientific staff of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, engaged in innovation and project activities.

Applicants and final recipients of funding under the procedure are the independent scientific units of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, whose research and expert staff will participate in the activities of the project proposal.

The expected result of the implementation of the investment is an increase in the participation of Bulgarian teams in EU initiatives. This is of crucial importance for building highly qualified specialists with skills and competencies for competitive research, which are necessary for the success of innovation activities in our country. The preparation of competitive project proposals with the participation of units from the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, partners in national teams and business representatives, as well as in large multinational consortia, will create prerequisites for integration into the European Research Area, improved collaboration between scientific organizations and business operators, as a key condition for sustainable development.