EIT Food Hub: RAPIV and University of Economics - Varna are the new EIT Food Hub Bulgaria 2024-2025 REGIONAL AGENCY FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND INNOVATIONS

EIT Food Hub: RAPIV and University of Economics - Varna are the new EIT Food Hub Bulgaria 2024-2025

The key success became a fact as a result of the joint collaboration of the University of Economics - Varna (UE-Varna) and the Regional Agency for Entrepreneurship and Innovation - Varna (RAPIV).

As of March 15, 2024, the two organizations will act as the EIT Food Hub for Bulgaria for 2024 and 2025.

The partnership application was submitted at the beginning of 2024 within the framework of a procedure for the selection of participants for the implementation of the Regional Innovation Scheme (RIS) of the European Institute for Innovation and Technology in Food (EIT Food). The EIT Food RIS is based on a strategic approach for the long-term presence of the EIT in the RIS countries and creates conditions for sharing good practices and experiences arising from the activities of the EIT Community, as well as expanding participation in the activities of the nine Knowledge and Innovation Communities ( KIC) throughout Europe.

For Central and Eastern Europe, the EIT Food Regional Innovation Scheme (RIS) implementation activities are coordinated by the EIT Food Co-Location Center North-East, founded in 2017 in Warsaw, Poland.

The EIT Food Hub for Bulgaria aims to stimulate the innovative and entrepreneurial potential of the country and promote the Bulgarian representation on an international scale through public engagement and educational activities. All EIT Food portfolio implementation tools are structured in an annual work plan on the implementation of which depends the funding intensity of the hub's activities.

The strengths shared by IU-Varna and RAPIV, which led to the partnership's award place in the evaluation process, are multifaceted and multi-layered – consistency in demonstrating participation in EU research and scientific projects and events related to EIT Food missions and training in entrepreneurship, a strong focus on entrepreneurship through the Innovative Partnership Network - UEBN, a broad thematic focus, an experienced and competent team composed primarily of academic staff but with clear practical project implementation and experience, appropriate infrastructure, a well-developed communication plan and communication schedule, targeted at specific audiences, presented convincing evidence of awareness of challenges in the regional agri-food sector and knowledge of the agri-food industry in the country, identified the most suitable local stakeholders who are also partners in some of the scientific projects or events, clearly outlined activities and key goals for the next year, including an overall strategy, a well-structured vision of IU-Varna for the EIT Food Hub, ambitious and aligned with the goals of the EIT Food program and the broader goals of regional innovation, a demonstrated good understanding of impact, which can be achieved by creating business and support programs through EIT Food, to bring new technologies and products to market, etc.

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