Technical University of Sofia: Partner in the Technological and Economic Development of Sliven Region

Among the key topics discussed at Sliven Future Forum 2026: Investments and the Future of Sliven Region, were the role of higher technical education, high-tech investments, partnerships between academia and industry, and how they contribute to the development of the regional economy.

The forum brought together representatives of state and local institutions, of academia and of industry to discuss the region’s economic prospects, opportunities to attract investments, and the necessary conditions for human capital development. On behalf of Technical University of Sofia, the forum attended Prof. DSc Ivan Kralov, Strategic Development Coordinator, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vanyo Ivanov, Head of Faculty and College of Sliven at the University.

Among the official guests at the forum were Alexander Pulev – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Investments and Industry, Ivan Vasilev – Minister of Innovation and Digital Transformation, Nadya Klisurska – Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Policy, Mihail Kasherov – Regional Governor, and Stefan Radev – Mayor of Sliven.

In his speech, Prof. Ivan Kralov examined the challenges facing higher education in the context of accelerated technological development and emphasized the importance of continuous learning and upskilling.

He spoke about the development of educational programs at Technical University of Sofia and the expansion of interdisciplinary training in areas such as intelligent systems, automation, digital technologies, and modern engineering solutions. Emphasis was placed on the research infrastructure and the activities of the university centers for knowledge and technology transfer. 

 

In the People of Sliven panel – dedicated to human capital development, education, and the future of the labor market – Prof. Kralov emphasized the need for a long-term regional strategy that would focus on the preparation of skilled specialists and the attraction of high-tech investments.

Energy, artificial intelligence, digital and manufacturing technologies, the automotive industry, road safety systems, and space technologies were identified as promising areas for the region’s development. According to Prof. Kralov, Sliven’s industrial traditions and the power of the academic community create the necessary conditions for the further development of these fields. Technical University of Sofia can support the region through its scientific and technological expertise, and by transferring knowledge to the regional economy.

 

 

Assoc. Prof. Vanyo Ivanov emphasized the need for more active involvement on the part of industry in the practical training of students. He pointed out that scholarships, better-equipped training laboratories, and training conditions that are more in line with the real world work environment and the requirements of employers are key when it comes to strengthening ties between academia and industry.

The participation of Technical University of Sofia in the forum emphasized the importance of cooperation between academia, institutions, and industry in building a sustainable regional economy. 

Training qualified engineering experts, tapping into the scientific research potential, and creating opportunities for career development are among the factors that can support the technological transformation of Sliven Region.