The Bulgarian Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion Agency (BSMEPA) has signed a cooperation agreement with Sofia University in the areas of economics, innovation, and corporate sustainability. Boyko Takov, PhD., Executive Director of BSMEPA, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Atanas Georgiev, Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration at Sofia University, outlined the prospects for bilateral cooperation and future initiatives.

Mr. Takov emphasized the importance of contributing to the preparation of highly qualified professionals, noting that this cooperation would benefit both students and the Agency. „Economic development depends on the prepared workforce entering the labor market, and I believe that together we will work on economic topics, corporate sustainability, and innovation,“ Mr. Takov stated.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Atanas Georgiev, who also heads the Department of Economics and Industry Management, highlighted the potential benefits of this cooperation in the education of students. „Incorporating lectures and content related to our key topics—entrepreneurship, the general economic environment, and investments—will be valuable,“ Mr. Georgiev added.

The cooperation between BSMEPA and Sofia University will offer opportunities for student internships, career orientation support, and motivation for students from the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration. Mr. Takov shared details about upcoming projects the Agency will implement, including a project for Northern Bulgaria in collaboration with the World Bank, expected to launch soon. BSMEPA will organize various initiatives and training programs in which students can participate, gaining practical knowledge and preparing professionally for their careers. Additionally, there is a cross-border cooperation project with Serbia, where training sessions will focus on topics like circular economy, and students may get involved in these activities.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Atanas Georgiev mentioned that they would consider the possibility of joining this project.

The Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration also introduced Dr. Takov to the updated facilities, modern technological rooms, and the current student body of 1,800 students. Dr. Georgiev also showcased the Faculty’s awards and certificates.