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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.
Summary of project results
The main product of this project - a report with analysis, good practices and recommendations, provided the following impact:
• the attention of the business was focused on the significance of the researched problem;
• the opinion of representatives of the accounting, tax and statistical practice on the issue was covered;
• The main reasons for the problem were analyzed.
The project identified the main stakeholders involved in solving the problem. A serious discussion and a series of consultations were launched to resolve it. Specific proposals were made to be taken into account directly when amending the legislation (national accounting standards, NSI internal regulations, tax initiatives to motivate business).
As a result of the project implementation, the Applied Research and Communications Fund expanded its expertise on issues related to innovation and research activity and their reporting. The Foundation continued to play the role of a reliable partner of the Bulgarian institutions in the direction of improving the legislative environment.