site.btaBulgarian, Romanian Innovation Ministers Discuss Draft Memorandum for Cooperation

Bulgarian Innovation and Growth Minister Milena Stoycheva and Romanian Research, Innovation and Digitization Minister Ivan Bogdan discussed a draft memorandum for cooperation in innovation, digitization, the startup ecosystem, high-tech development, digital connectivity and research, as well as in the setting up and development of startup companies and a startup ecosystem in Bulgaria and Romania, the Bulgarian Innovation Ministry said on Friday. The two attended an international forum in Cluj-Napoca.

The memorandum will promote cooperation in deep-tech innovation, digitization, high-tech and digital connectivity, the commercialization of the results of research projects in the EU and in the global market, knowledge and technology transfer. The aim is to ensure the two countries' economic growth through innovation aimed at digital business transformation.

The innovation ministers identified concrete steps to start cooperation between Bulgaria and Romania with a focus on deep-tech innovation.

Addressing the forum, which focused on education and training to foster economic growth, innovation and job creation, Stoycheva said that Eastern Europe can be a leader in deep tech innovation and boost Europe's competitiveness as a whole. This can also happen through culture and the historical heritage. "In line with the New European Innovation Agenda, we are planning the creation and connection of regional innovation valleys based on the regions' strategic advantages and their specialization," she said.

She stressed that the partnership between the deep-tech innovation valleys in Varna and Cluj-Napoca could set an example of connectivity to Europe.

Romanian Finance Minister Marcel Bolos participated in the forum.