site.btaInnovation Minister Stoycheva, Finnish Ambassador Kuvaja-Xanthopoulos Discuss Bilateral Relations in Innovation, Technology, R&D

Interaction with universities is key to the development of innovation in Bulgaria, therefore, one of the priorities of the Ministry of Innovation and Growth is to promote the commercialisation of science in business, Innovation Minister Milena Stoicheva said at a meeting with the Ambassador of Finland to Bulgaria Kristiina Kuvaja-Xanthopoulos, the Ministry of Innovations and Growth reported here Tuesday.

Stoicheva and Kuvaja-Xanthopoulos discussed the deepening of bilateral economic relations between Bulgaria and Finland in the field of innovation, high technology and research and development. The development of the entrepreneurial and start-up ecosystem in Bulgaria was also highlighted during the talks.

"We would like to rebrand Bulgaria as a destination for high-tech innovations that create high added value in the country's economy," Stoycheva said.

She said her Ministry will work closely with the Ministry of Education and Science, as well as in other areas where innovation can be key - healthcare, culture, tourism, energy, defence. She briefed the Finnish Ambassador on her visits to the universities in Varna, Burgas and Plovdiv, pointing out that she will have meetings with the academic leaders of other universities.

Stoycheva said that in line with the new European Innovation Agenda, her Ministry foresees the creation and linking of regional innovation valleys based on the regions' strategic advantages and their specialisation.

Both sides stressed that they will work closely in the areas of science, innovation, high technology, start-ups, entrepreneurial ecosystem and investment.