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Description
The findings from a survey conducted among cluster''s members showed that only 12.5% use green energy sources and apply the principles of the circular economy. The main reasons for this are the lack of financial resources and the lack of competences. The conclusions are that there is a need to increase the awareness of companies about the opportunities and benefits of developing circular business models, the implementation of green innovations, the sources of green financing, as well as the need of skilled personnel. The cluster companies need motivation and access to educational networks to keep up with new technologies, as well as to communicate with potential customers or investors in order to take advantage of the opportunities of green innovations.
The goal of the project is to increase the competitiveness and sustainable development of the BSEC company members by focusing on the potential of the green innovation and business cooperation with Norwegian innovative enterprises. Another important objective is to enhance the long-term business cooperation between the two project partners, which together will work for the green transformation of Bulgarian business over the next 3 years.
The Norwegian partner in the project is Smart Innovation Norway AS. It will be involved in the xchange of good practice and experience in green innovation and circular economy as well as on enhancing the collaboration, networking and learning between the Bulgarian and Norwegian entities. SEC cluster and Smart Innovation Norway AS has a very good cooperation since 2013. The partnership has successfully implemented a project within the framework of the Norwegian Financial Mechanism 2009-2014 with the main objective to build capacity in the public and private sectors on Energy Management System and practical implementation of sustainable energy measures in public buildings.
Summary of project results
Despite the global push towards sustainability, Bulgaria remains one of the most energy-intensive economies in the European Union. The inefficient use of energy resources has made it difficult for Bulgarian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to compete on an international level. Currently, a significant rise in energy prices by 40% has further highlighted the need for innovative green technologies to enhance energy efficiency and competitiveness. The country lacks a comprehensive and effective national strategy dedicated to fostering green technologies. Political instability has resulted in inconsistent policies and a lack of long-term vision, impeding the development and implementation of sustainable practices.
Another significant challenge is the limited state public investment in green technologies. The Bulgarian government has not allocated sufficient financial resources to support the development and adoption of sustainable innovations. This lack of investment has stifled the growth of green technologies, preventing them from reaching their full potential and contributing to the country''s economic and environmental goals. The transfer of innovations from the academic environment to the business sector is a critical factor in fostering green technologies. However, Bulgaria lacks a legislatively established system to facilitate this transfer. The absence of a structured framework has created a disconnect between research institutions and the business community, hindering the practical application of academic innovations in the marketplace.
The project aimed to address several critical challenges hindering the adoption of green innovation and technologies in Bulgaria. By tackling the lack of a stable political environment, limited public investment, barriers to innovation transfer, and the impact on SMEs, the project seeks to unlock the potential of green technologies in enhancing the country''s competitiveness and sustainability. Through increased awareness, financial support, strengthened innovation transfer systems, and a competent workforce, Bulgaria can pave the way towards a greener and more prosperous future.
The primary objective of the project was to enhance the competencies of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), members of the BlackSea Cluster in the areas of eco-innovations and circular economy by ensuring they have the most up-to-date knowledge. To achieve this, the project provided comprehensive training that encompassed the following modules:
- Module I. ECO-INNOVATIONS: This module covered topics such as electric mobility and charging infrastructure, electricity storage systems, energy management, and microgrids.
- Module II. CIRCULAR ECONOMY: This module addressed waste management, production and use of ecological products, green financial products, and environmental management.
Additionally, the project developed a digital platform specifically for the training purposes, ensuring an effective learning environment.
As part of Activity 2, the project conducted feasibility studies and analyzed the opportunities for applying relevant green innovations. The main task here was to raise awareness among cluster''s companies about how implementing eco-innovations and transitioning to a circular economy could enhance their competitiveness. Detailed analyses were prepared for selected SMEs that successfully completed the online training course offered by the project. Utilizing cutting-edge tools for measuring and analyzing the entrepreneurial ecosystem, each company received recommendations on the most applicable green innovations. Furthermore, the project assessed the economic impact of integrating these innovations, explored opportunities for circular production cycles through internal collaboration with other BSEC members, and examined potential synergies with external companies.
The study trip to Norway was a strategic initiative under the project aimed at enhancing the collaboration, networking, and learning between BSEC cluster organizations and their Norwegian counterparts, particularly in the field of applied artificial intelligence (AI). Organized by the Norwegian partner, the study tour included a 3-day working program designed to expose the cluster''s company representatives to good practices, matchmaking business events, and the leading applied AI conference in Norway. The study visit facilitated in-person meetings between 10 representatives of the cluster and the Cluster for Applied AI, a project hosted by the Norwegian partner - Smart Innovation Norway. These interactions provided a unique opportunity for the cluster''s members to engage directly with Norwegian experts and gain insights into the local AI ecosystem. The group from Bulgaria attended the premier AI conference in Norway, which provided them with a comprehensive introduction to the Norwegian AI ecosystem. The conference offered a platform for competence sharing and interaction within the field of artificial intelligence, helping participants understand relevant applied AI cases and topics. AI+ aims to create an arena for both Norwegian and international actors to exchange best practices and foster innovation in a data-driven economy.
The study trip to Norway culminated in several tangible outcomes:
- Successful organization and execution of the study trip with the participation of 10 SME representatives from the Blacksea cluster.
- Active participation in the Norwegian AI+ conference, facilitating knowledge exchange and networking.
The project results lead to increase the competitiveness and sustainable development of the cluster''s members by focusing on the potential of the green innovation and business cooperation with Norwegian innovative enterprises.
32 people, representatives of cluster''s member companies received training and improved their knowledge and competences on topics in the areas of eco-innovations and circular economy.
Summary of bilateral results
The Norwegian partner in the project Smart Innovation Norway AS has contributed to the transfer of good practice in green innovation and circular economy as well as to enhance the collaboration, networking and learning between the Bulgarian companies and Norwegian entities.