Nearly 7,000 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in Bulgaria have received European funding since 2023 to modernise their production facilities, introduce new technologies and expand their operations. The total amount of funding allocated has reached nearly €508 million, the Ministry of Innovation and Digital Transformation announced.

The funding has been provided under the Competitiveness and Innovation in Enterprises Programme, which has attracted the highest level of interest among applicants. More than 13,000 project proposals have been submitted.

Applications are currently being accepted for funding green technologies in manufacturing. The application deadline is 10 November, and around 2,000 additional projects are expected to be submitted under the procedure.

At the same time, European funding is also being directed towards joint research and development projects involving research organisations and the private sector. Approximately 600 proposals have been submitted under the Research, Innovation and Digitalisation for Smart Transformation Programme, while 168 innovative projects implemented in partnership between businesses and the research community have already received funding.

Investment under this programme exceeds €400 million. One of its main objectives is to accelerate the transition of research developments to the market in the form of new products, services and technological solutions. As part of the initiative, a national technology transfer model has also been established, along with a network of 12 digital and innovation hubs that support businesses in adopting advanced technologies.

Funding also continues for centres of competence and excellence, which connect scientific research with the practical needs of the economy.

The two European programmes are managed by the Executive Agency for Competitiveness and European Funds under the Ministry of Innovation and Digital Transformation.

Редактор: Маргарита Стоянчева