The smart specialization of Bulgaria is framed within the S3 2021-2027. Unlike other EU Member States, in Bulgaria the stategy has national coverage with smart specialization going down to the 28 NUTS III regions and is under the responsibility of the Ministry of Innovation and Growth. For the MFF 2021-2027, the Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialization focuses on five primary priority sectors:

– Informatics and ICT: Development of software, data science, artificial intelligence, and IT infrastructure.
– Mechatronics and Microelectronics: Advanced manufacturing, automation, and Industry 4.0.
– Industry for Healthy Living, Bioeconomy, and Biotechnology: Medical devices, pharmaceuticals, organic agriculture, and sustainable food systems.
– Clean Technology, Circular, and Low-Carbon Economy: Renewable energy, waste recycling, and green transition initiatives.
– New Technologies in Creative and Recreational Industries: Digital media, gaming, and cultural heritage tech.

What makes the Bulgarian S3 unique is the importance given to Clean technology, Circular and Low-Carbon Economy – both as vertical and horizontal priority. In simple words, this means that all support mesures for companies planned under the national and EU funding, will have the circular ecnomy component horizontally embedded despite the sectoral specialization of the particular region. This will open up the demand for skills in circular economy throughout the entire country territory as the topic is still novel for companies. On the other hand, the educational supply in the field is still limited with VET centers struggling to embed green skills in their curricula and offering.