On 22 October, the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) held a roundtable with Bulgarian stakeholders to present the EIT and its Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs). Among the participants were also high-level officials, such as the Bulgarian Minister of Education and Science, Nikolai Denkov, and the Minister of Economy, Daniela Vezieva.
The purpose of the roundtable was to showcase the education, innovation and business creation opportunities of the EIT and the KICs, and show Bulgarian organisations how they can get involved. Special focus was given to the EIT’s HEI Initiative, where participants learnt more about the initiative, its objectives, and the results of the HEI Pilot Call. The initiative team also announced the upcoming EIT HEI Call 2 and explained how Bulgarian organisations can participate.
The opening speech was given by the European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Mariya Gabriel, who stressed that the EIT plays a salient role in strengthening innovation and education in Europe. She also highlighted that higher education institutions can play an even more significant role in reinforcing innovation capacity and addressing regional needs. Ms Gabriel pointed out that the EIT’s HEI Initiative is a key tool to contribute to these aims. The Commissioner also praised the results of the HEI Pilot Call and expressed her enthusiasm about EIT HEI Call 2.