The implementation of innovations is strategically important for the development of the economy in Bulgaria. This was stated by Dr. Boyko Takov, Executive Director of the Bulgarian Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion Agency (BSMEPA), during the opening of Innovation Explorer 2025 in Sofia.

BSMEPA is an institutional partner of the international forum, which brought together leaders in the field of innovation and high technologies. “For economies to grow, it is important to implement innovations. The Ministry of Innovation and Growth has programs for businesses, and gradually, the focus should be directed towards elevating our economy to the next, higher level. One of BSMEPA’s main roles is to support the export activities of Bulgarian small and medium-sized enterprises. This is extremely important because we often talk about investments, and internationalization and innovations are the key steps that lead to economic growth,” said Boyko Takov during the opening of the international forum.

The Executive Director of BSMEPA noted that Europe must quickly invest in innovations and run deeper informational campaigns. “Europe is lagging behind in innovation development. It seems to me that innovations have become a sport where everyone is competing, but sometimes innovations start to be innovations just for the sake of being innovations. The root and idea of innovations is to solve problems, to meet the needs of humanity. For an innovation to be an innovation, it must be commercialized; if the market does not accept and develop it, it remains an invention. In this phase, companies need support.”

From the podium of the prestigious forum, Dr. Boyko Takov shared that SMEs from Bulgaria are standing firmly on the international stage, with the Agency investing resources for progress in export potential and the implementation of innovations in business processes. “BSMEPA supports Bulgarian companies to successfully position themselves in international markets, to produce more, and to grow. This is the way to ensure that added value stays in the country and that economic results benefit the whole society,” stated Boyko Takov.

For another year, BSMEPA is supporting Innovation Explorer 2025, an event with special care for the environment, fully compensating for its carbon footprint. During the forum, Dr. Takov shared that Bulgaria is in the final stages of preparation for EXPO 2025, where this year’s theme is “Designing the Future Society for Our Life.” “The Bulgarian pavilion is located in the ‘Saving Lives’ zone. We are exploring the saving of lives through bacteria. Beneficial bacteria live in communities but have the unique ability to unite and overcome threats when faced with danger. This is our appeal to the world, showing that together, countries can unite against natural threats and overcome them.” Boyko Takov stated that Bulgaria will present its achievements in innovations, science, cultural and historical heritage, and not least – yogurt with the bacteria Lactobacillus Bulgaricus, which is highly regarded in Japan and is considered a source of health and longevity.