The role of innovation and new technologies in the partnership between Bulgaria and China was discussed today at a forum attended by representatives of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, the government, economists, and public figures. The event was jointly organized by the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and the China Media Group.
“In an era of rapid technological change, science and innovation are the cornerstone of sustainable development. They are the driving force behind human progress and the search for effective solutions to global challenges,” BAS President Corr. Memb. Evelina Slavcheva said in her speech. “Bilateral relations between Bulgaria and China are a wonderful example of how shared scientific interests and complementary expertise can lead to long-term and mutually beneficial cooperation,” she added. Corr. Memb. Slavcheva also shared her personal professional experience as a scientist and former director of the Institute of Electrochemistry and Energy Systems. For several years, Bulgarian researchers have been assisting the development department of a Chinese battery company in introducing standardized tests to validate the quality of the batteries they produce. Corresponding Member Slavcheva also recalled that BAS was a co-founder of the Alliance for Innovation and Cooperation in the Field of Low-Carbon Energy Technologies within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.
The Scientific Secretary-General of BAS, Prof. Neli Koseva, presented the cooperation between the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and Chinese scientific organizations. She spoke about the visit of seven Chinese delegations to the Academy’s scientific units which were interested in joint developments in various scientific fields. Scientists from both countries have worked successfully on 14 joint scientific projects, and work on two more will begin next year. The Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering will participate in a project for functional and genomic research, and the Geological Institute of BAS will participate in research on karst in Bulgaria and China.
Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Zafirov and Deputy Ministers of Education and Science and Regional Development and Public Works Petar Nikolov and Dora Yankova took part in the forum dedicated to cooperation between Bulgaria and China.
