Round Table "Business and Science in Action" – Uniting Key Representatives in Industry and Science
On November 7, 2024, the long-awaited event - a round table under the title "Business and science in action: Perspectives for the electrical industry, robotics and ICT in Ruse" - was held in the large "Danube" hall of the Dunav Plaza Hotel, Ruse. Organized jointly by the Bulgarian Association of Electrical Engineering and Electronics (BASEL), the Ruse Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RTIK), the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria, the Professional Association for Robotics and Automation (PARA) and the Competence Center "KVAZAR" at the Institute of Robotics of the BAS , the round table brought together over 50 participants - representatives of business, academia and institutions.
Key Highlights from The Event
The event was opened by Svetlana Stefanova, executive director of FAAC Bulgaria, BASEL representative for the Ruse region, who emphasized the importance of cooperation between business and science for the sustainable development of the Ruse region. Throughout the day, topics related to challenges and prospects for industries looking for new personnel and opportunities for innovation were discussed.
Topics and Presentations at The Round Table
The event program included a variety of presentations from industry leaders:
- Orlin Dimitrov, executive director of BASEL, presented the "Electroindustry" branch in Bulgaria, emphasizing the need for closer integration with the scientific community to increase production efficiency.
- Anselmo Caporossi, chief director of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria, spoke about the prospects for the development of business relations and investments between Bulgaria and Italy.
- Evgeny Ivanov and Zdravko Sabotinov from the KVAZAR Competence Center introduced the participants to the National Plan for the construction of technological hubs and their role in the industrial development of the region.
- Milen Dobrev, executive director of RCCI, introduced the Chamber and its member organizations, emphasizing RCCI's role in stimulating business growth and supporting local enterprises.
An important part of the event was the discussion panel, which discussed the state and prospects for business and investment in the region, opportunities for integration of science and business, and labor market trends in related industries.
Company Presentations and Experience Exchange
The event included presentations from several local RCCI member companies, among them Bullitt Engineering J.S.C., Siviko Ltd, Velikov Computers EOOD (Improvin), Great Master Ltd. (Grema 3D) and Steiner Elektronik Ltd. The representatives of each company shared about their products, services and strategic plans, revealing what technologies and innovations they implement to optimize processes and improve quality. These presentations highlighted the resilience of local companies and their willingness to adapt to new market demands.
Insights Into Market Trends and The Need for Qualified Talent
The main topic in the discussions was finding qualified personnel. They attended the event Joanna Terzieva, director of the Labor Bureau Directorate - Ruse, Zlatomira Stefanova, Deputy Mayor "International Programs and Projects, Investments and Property", and Galina Ivanova, vice-rector for international cooperation of the University of Ruse, who discussed initiatives and programs to support local businesses in finding and training suitable personnel. Other representatives of the academic circles also took an active part, discussing the possibilities of cooperation between education and business for the training of new personnel.
Conclusion and Special Visit to Steiner Elektronik Ltd.
After the official part of the event, the participants had the opportunity to visit the production base of Steiner Elektronik Ltd, founded in 1969. The company is a leader in printed circuit board and electronic assembly manufacturing and prides itself on its advanced equipment and processes. The visit allowed the participants to familiarize themselves with the latest achievements of the company and provided an opportunity for exchange of ideas and cooperation.
Results and Significance of The Event
The round table "Business and Science in Action" emphasized the importance of joining efforts between business and the academic community in support of innovation and technological development of the Ruse region. The event stimulated new partnerships and opened discussions on important issues for the future of industries, giving participants the opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience that will support sustainable business development in the region.
The Ruse Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) has established itself as a key organizer and catalyst of events aimed at the development of local business and cooperation with academia. With a constant commitment to innovation and the economic development of the Ruse region, RCCI actively supports its members in the creation of new partnerships and provides a platform for the exchange of experience and knowledge that contribute to the sustainable development and competitiveness of industries in the region.