Bulgaria is actively working towards the energy transition objectives and implementation of declared policies for achieving the low-carbon economy. Yet, together with several other so-called EU-13 countries it experiences low participation rates in research and innovation (R&I) activities and the realisation of the European Union’s Strategic Energy Technology (SET) Plan Implementation Plans. As a consequence, it has received only a marginal contribution of the EU R&I Horizon 2020’s budget.

This workshop will offer a detailed overview of the European policies, strategies, EU funding programmes and collaboration opportunities at the disposal to the Bulgarian research community in the low-carbon energy sector. It will also support the research community in getting closer to the R&I activities of Europe and becoming increasingly active within the SET Plan process. Meanwhile, the invited experts and stakeholders will share their experience in relevant EU and national project implementation. All together, we will discuss the possibility of developing a shared vision and strategy for Bulgaria in the upcoming research and innovation activities, and work to identify strong points and nurture solutions for building a competitive advantage.

Provisional Agenda

• Welcome and objectives of the workshop
• European strategy and latest policy and legislative developments supporting the Clean Energy Transition
• R&I activities supporting the Clean Energy Transition in Bulgaria 
• SUPEERA findings: engagement of Bulgaria in H2020 or R&I
• Coffee Break
• Sharing experience in international R&I collaborative projects and best practices: Bulgarian best practices in energy R&I
• Panel discussion: Opportunities to increase participation in join R&I activities
• Lunch Break
• The SUPEERA project: Mobilization of EU‐13 national public research resources in the Clean Energy Transition: challenges and opportunities
• R&I opportunities for collaboration and funding

Registrations are open at this link. In case of further questions or information needed, please do not hesitate to contact i.matejak@eera-set.eu or s.pantelis@eera-set.eu