A strategic platform aimed at supporting innovation, technological development, and the effective international positioning of bulgarian businesses, educational institutions, and industry associations

The official presentation of the forthcoming Advisory Council on Competitiveness (ACC) marked the launch of a strategic national initiative with a long-term vision, supported by Bulgaria’s private sector. The Council’s mission is to enhance the competitiveness of the Bulgarian economy through the development and implementation of innovations, the creation of effective cross-sectoral linkages, and the promotion of international representation for Bulgarian companies, universities, and industry organizations.

The Council is being initiated in partnership with Glavbolgarstroy Holding AD and Assarel-Medet AD—two of Bulgaria’s leading companies in the construction and mining sectors.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Innovation and Growth of the Republic of Bulgaria, Mr. Tomislav Donchev, was introduced to the concept behind the formation of the Council on Competitiveness. During a dedicated event organized for the Council's presentation, participants discussed the ACC’s potential role as a partner to public institutions by providing expert opinions that support the formulation and defense of long-term policies in key priority areas. The initiative has already received international recognition from the Global Federation of Competitiveness Councils (GFCC) — a leading global organization headquartered in Washington, D.C., uniting over 50 companies, academic institutions, and business organizations from 35 countries. The GFCC places a strong emphasis on innovation, scientific and technological advancement, and social prosperity. Deborah L. Wince-Smith, President of the GFCC, personally welcomed the establishment of the ACC in Bulgaria and highlighted its importance in the context of global trends in technological development, international trade, and economic security.

A key milestone for the Council’s future development was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the ACC’s initiators in Bulgaria — Kalin Peshov, Chairman of the Management Board of Glavbolgarstroy Holding AD, and Dimitar Tsotsorkov, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Assarel-Medet AD—and Ms. Wince-Smith. The agreement outlines the planned integration of the Bulgarian organization into the GFCC’s global network.

Representatives from leading Bulgarian companies, universities, research institutes, and business organizations attending the event expressed their commitment to active dialogue and cooperation within the framework of the ACC. In doing so, the Council is being positioned as a key partner in shaping a competitive, innovative, and globally connected Bulgarian economy.

The Council will place strong emphasis on establishing effective partnerships for the exchange of knowledge, technologies, and best practices to and from Bulgaria. This includes active collaboration with international organizations that share the same vision. Through synergy between science, business, and public institutions, the ACC will develop proposals and initiatives with the potential to drive real transformation—fostering greater competitiveness, accelerating innovation, and supporting the sustainable development of Bulgaria’s economy.

Founded in 2010, the Global Federation of Competitiveness Councils (GFCC) is an international organization that supports economic growth through innovation, increased productivity, and the development of human capital. It connects the public and private sectors, enabling the exchange of best practices and the creation of sustainable economic strategies. Through a variety of international initiatives, the GFCC promotes active dialogue and collaboration on critical global economic issues.

At the GFCC’s Annual Meeting in 2022, Glavbolgarstroy was officially accepted as a full member of the organization representing the Southeastern European region. The construction holding is the first GFCC member from Bulgaria and one of the few from the region and the broader Mediterranean area.