The first regional forum and startup competition, the South East European Innovators Challenge (SEEIC), launched its conference on Monday at Sofia Tech Park, with Deputy Minister of Innovation and Growth George Angelov emphasizing the park’s role as a critical innovation hub for both Bulgaria and the broader Southeast European region. Highlighting the importance of innovation at the forum, Angelov underlined the increased recognition of innovation’s value at the highest levels of policy and governance, signaling a growing commitment to fostering technological advancement and collaboration across the region.
“Today, we are witnessing the fact that the importance of innovation is recognized at a high political level,” Angelov stated, referencing influential reports on Europe’s future competitiveness, including the Draghi Report and a recent paper by Manuel Etter on the importance of research, development, and initiatives like Horizon Europe. His remarks reflect the momentum in regional and European initiatives aimed at fostering collaboration and growth within science, technology, and innovation sectors.
A Key Regional Platform for Collaboration and Growth
The SEEIC event at Sofia Tech Park seeks to establish itself as a recurring platform that will enhance cooperation among regional science and technology parks. This ambitious initiative is designed to bring together innovation hubs, research institutions, and tech parks, promoting shared resources, knowledge exchange, and cross-border collaborations.
Participating in the regional association are notable science and technology parks across Southeast Europe, including:
- Sofia Tech Park (Bulgaria)
- Gabrovo Tech Park (Bulgaria)
- JOIST Innovation Park (Greece)
- Thessaloniki Innovation and Technology Center (Greece)
- Magurele Science Park (Romania)
- Technology Park Novi Sad (Serbia)
- Science Technology Park Nis (Serbia)
- Ostim Teknopark (Türkiye)
- Antalya OIZ Technopark (Türkiye)
- Bursa Technopark (Türkiye)
- BUDOTEK Teknopark (Türkiye)
- Namik Kemal University Technology Development Zone (Türkiye)
- Science and Technology Park Montenegro (Montenegro)
The purpose of this alliance is to stimulate cooperative development within scientific and innovation ecosystems across Southeast Europe, contributing to the region’s collective progress in technology and innovation.
Setting the Stage for the Future of Regional Innovation
Sofia Tech Park’s role as an innovation hub and catalyst in Southeast Europe is integral to Bulgaria’s position as a center for technological advancement. By establishing the SEEIC as a regular gathering, Bulgaria aims to foster enduring connections between regional science and technology parks. This initiative also aligns with European Union efforts to enhance research, development, and competitive innovation through programs like Horizon Europe, benefiting the region with greater access to funding, resources, and global partnerships.
With the SEEIC as a platform, Sofia Tech Park and its partner institutions are taking significant steps to strengthen and integrate Southeast Europe’s scientific and technological resources, paving the way for a more connected and competitive regional innovation landscape. This forum stands to empower startups, inspire collaboration, and drive sustained technological growth across the Balkans and beyond.
