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Description
Data from the European Innovation Scoreboard 2019 shows that Bulgaria holds last but one place in terms of innovation performance of SMEs. Data shows that SMEs with product and process innovations have declined by 16% and that the costs for innovations have dropped by 57%. Against this backdrop the issue with the submission of data about research performance of enterprises to the National Statistical Institute as part of annual financial statements has not been solved yet. This information is generated by Eurostat at European level and based on it negative comparative results about the country are generated. What is needed is a more active involvement of both the Ministry of Economy and the National Statistical Institute and the Ministry of Finance and the National Revenue Agency to address the issue of specific steps to improve gathering of data about research and innovation activity. The project aims at examining the reasons for failure to submit data about research and innovation performance of SMES and propose to the public bodies a solution to the problem. The “unveiling” of innovative SMES will greatly contribute to establishing the real position of Bulgaria at European level and will enable the development of the relevant policies. The application of the measures provided for in the report in the legal framework will encourage SMEs to publish research performance data and will support the innovative presentation of entrepreneurs as end users of the project outcomes.