Bulgaria will struggle with the issues, accumulated through the years in the sphere of science and education with the support of the EU. For the purpose this country will implement within the new 2014 – 2020 programming period a totally new operational programme, named Science and Education for Smart Growth. The programme will be managed by the Ministry of Education and Science. The reform will be funded with nearly EUR 600 million of EU money, along with a bit over EUR 100 million of national funding. The picture within these areas is not very bright right now. This country will have to put in some serious efforts, in order to catch up at least a little, as it is seriously lagging behind. If the European goal is for 3 percent of GDP allocated to science and research in 2020, ours is 1.5 percent. “Currently, funding for Bulgarian science is 3 to 4 times les than the money needed” comments Prof. Nikolay Denkov, deputy minister of education. EU funding is to encourage high level scientific research that should become the engine for the development of our economy. The construction of centers for top achievements is also envisaged. The leading universities and science institutes will receive funding, in order to modernize their scientific infrastructure and labs. Experts with international recognition whose achievements contribute to the innovational potential of the economy will be supported.

“In Bulgaria resources, both financial (no matter their scarcity) and scientific, are highly concentrated - in the city of Sofia,” says Deputy Minister Denkov. “86 percent of the scientific researches’ funding is there, which makes the other regions suffer insufficient funding. That is why we envisage stimulation for regional centers, so that those can serve better to local business. We will also support the participation of Bulgarian scientists in international programs. The Bulgarian science made it through these difficult years mainly thanks to its relation to international research.”

By 2020 this country should improve access to universities and should increase the share of graduates, aged 30 – 34 up to 36 percent. Talented students should get their chances at scientific workshops and conferences. Young people will be encouraged to study at pedagogical specialties via special scholarships. Funding is also envisaged for raising the qualification of university tutors. Lifelong learning has its special place within the programme:

“The idea is a national system to be created, allowing flexible approaches, depending on the needs of certain groups of people, so that those can receive the knowledge and certificates necessary. We will also support dual training, training companies, real life practices at the high school level. There will be financial stimuli for the companies that would take students for internships.”

Money has been envisaged also for education inclusion of minority children and those of refugees. The operative programme is expected to be approved by the EC in February next year at the latest.

English version: Zhivko Stanchev