site.btaNational Innovation Fund to Be Established as Legal Entity in Sofia

The National Innovation Fund (NIF) will be established as a legal entity based in Sofia, MPs decided here on Wednesday with the second reading of the bill on the promotion of research and innovation. The NIF will support cooperation and joint programmes between universities and scientific organizations and businesses in the field of research, innovation, development of new technologies, technology transfer, building entrepreneurial skills and promoting innovation and technology in line with the national innovation policy.

The NIF will also support participation in European and international research and innovation programmes, finance participation in bilateral and multilateral projects and programmes.

The head of the NIF is a secondary budget authorizing officer under the budget of the Ministry of Innovation and Growth.

The existing centres of excellence and centres for competence established and funded under the Operational Programme Science and Education for Smart Growth 2014-2020 will continue to operate and may be converted to institutes.