On November 7, 2024, at the Danube Hall of Danube Plaza Hotel in Ruse, the highly anticipated round table event titled "Business and Science in Action: Prospects for the Electronics Industry, Robotics, and ICT in Ruse" took place. Organized in partnership with the Bulgarian Association of Electrical Engineering and Electronics (BASEL), the Ruse Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria, the Professional Association of Robotics and Automation (PARA), and the Competence Centre "QUASAR" at the Institute of Robotics of BAS, and supported by Ruse Municipality, the event brought together over 50 participants, including representatives from businesses, academia, and institutions.

Key Highlights of the Event

The event was opened by Svetlana Stefanova, CEO of FAAC Bulgaria and BASEL’s representative for Ruse Region, who emphasized the importance of collaboration between business and science for the sustainable development of the Ruse region. Zlatomira Stefanova, Deputy Mayor for International Programs, Projects, Investments, and Property at Ruse Municipality, also attended, highlighting the role of the municipality in supporting the local business and investment environment.

Topics and Presentations at the Round Table

The event’s program included a variety of presentations covering different aspects of industry and investment opportunities in the region:

• Orlin Dimitrov, Executive Director of BASEL, presented the current state of the electronics industry in Bulgaria, emphasizing the need for closer integration with the scientific community to enhance production efficiency.
• Anselmo Caporossi, General Director of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria, spoke about the opportunities for expanding business relations and investments between Bulgaria and Italy.
• Evgeni Ivanov and Zdravko Sabotinov from the Competence Centre "QUASAR" introduced participants to the National Plan for the Establishment of Technology Hubs and their role in the region's industrial development.
• Milen Dobrev, Executive Director of RCCI, highlighted RCCI's commitment to local business growth, fostering partnerships, and attracting investments to the region.

Company Presentations and Exchange of Experience

The round table provided a platform for successful companies from the region to showcase their achievements, including Bullitt Engineering AD, Siviko OOD, Velikov Computers EOOD (Improvinn), Great Master EOOD (Grema 3D), and Steiner Elektronik EOOD. Representatives from each company shared insights into their products, services, and strategic plans, highlighting the innovations and technologies they have implemented to optimize processes and improve quality. These presentations demonstrated the resilience of local businesses and their readiness to adapt to changing market demands.

The Importance of Skilled Labor and the Investment Environment

One of the main topics at the event was the availability of skilled labour, which is crucial for the successful development of industries. Representatives from the Ruse Employment Bureau and Ruse University discussed opportunities to support local businesses in finding and training new staff. Programs for collaboration between academia and business were also explored, encouraging the preparation of future specialists ready to join the industrial sector.

Special Visit and Regional Significance

After the official part of the event, participants had the opportunity to visit the production facility of Steiner Elektronik EOOD, a leading company in printed circuit board manufacturing and electronic assembly. This visit allowed participants to observe the company's modern technologies and discuss potential joint projects and collaboration opportunities.

Vision for the Future of the Region

The round table "Business and Science in Action" underscored the importance of partnerships between business and academia in developing the Ruse region as an innovative and industrial hub. Events like this encourage an investment-friendly environment, promote economic growth, and create new development opportunities for the region. Ruse Municipality and RCCI will continue to work on improving business conditions by providing a platform for exchanging ideas and experiences that support sustainable growth and the competitiveness of industries in the region.

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For more information and news, visit the website of the Ruse Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI): rcci.bg