Svetla Boneva,
Nikolay Krushkov
University of National and World Economy
https://doi.org/10.53656/str2025-1s-1-cha
Abstract. This study aims to present an analysis of the specifics and contemporary challenges faced by research universities in the context of Bulgaria’s efforts to create conditions for the development of national science in coordination with and for the benefit of the national industry. The focus on scientific research must be considered in the context of distinguishing the research universities from the non-research universities, as well as the specialization of their academic staff in either research professors or teaching professors. The universities play a key role in achieving national goals and priorities. For these purposes, a clear strategic alignment is required between: (1) the areas of scientific research of the universities, (2) the specialization of the students educated by the universities, and (3) the strategically defined needs of the national industry for sustainable economic growth.
The implementation of such long-term synergy science-industry builds national competitiveness, achievable through: (1) strategic planning on the national level involving coordinated efforts of five competent ministries in Bulgaria: Ministry of Science and Education, Ministry of Innovation and Growth, Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Labor and social policies, and ministry of finance; (2) involvement in the strategic planning of the rectors of the leading Bulgarian universities, and (3) involvement of the associations of the most advanced industrial enterprises in the country. Such coordinated strategic planning aims to establish priority areas for accelerated economic growth, allocate resources, enhance specialization, and ensure national competitiveness in prioritized sectors of the national industry.
From the perspective of the role of research universities in creating national competitiveness, it is essential that university research must be directed towards the needs of the national industry and aligned with the strategic priorities of the Republic of Bulgaria. However, this expectation contradicts a fundamental principle enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of Bulgaria, according to which universities enjoy “academic autonomy.” The Higher Education Act also guarantees “academic self-governance” of the Bulgarian universities. This reality may lead to academic research in scientific areas that are not aligned with the imminent needs of any of the sectors of the national industry, such as energy, healthcare, transport, security, finance, etc. From a market perspective this could serve as an example of inefficient use of resources, time, and highly qualified labor without binding them with the needs of the national industry.
Considering this challenge from the perspective of supply and demand – the forces that make free market economies work – the most efficient areas for university research must be specified and clearly determined in a coordinated manner by the government and the national industry on a five- or ten-year basis strictly aligned with the national strategic priorities.
The research methods used in this study include the examination and synthesis of the application of the legal frameworks in the field of higher education in five leading highly developed countries (USA, UK, Germany, Japan and China), a comparative analysis in both theoretical and practical-applied contexts of internationally recognized best practices in the work of leading research universities, content analysis, as well as tabular and graphical data representation on the topic.
The research results provide key findings and conclusions, along with analytically supported recommendations on realistic and feasible measures that could be undertaken to enhance the efficiency and quality of science, education, and university research. These measures aim to enable a synergy between science and industry.
Keywords: priorities, research universities, strategy, science-industry relationship, education, business
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