The Bulgarian Hydrogen, Fuel Cell and Energy Storage Association (BGH2A) has submitted an official statement to the Council of Ministers in support of the draft National Scientific Programme “Petar Beron. Science and Innovation with Europe – 2025”.
The Association endorses the initiative as an important tool for strengthening Bulgaria’s research capacity. It emphasizes the need to prioritize high-impact and high-potential areas such as clean energy technologies, including hydrogen.
BGH2A also provides specific recommendations to ensure the effective implementation of the programme. Key suggestions include:
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Adequate Funding – Provision of realistic and sustainable rates for researcher compensation, laboratory costs, and project management. Enhancing the programme’s scope is also critical to achieving tangible innovation outcomes.
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Investment in Infrastructure – Securing funds for the development of national laboratories and demonstration facilities; encouraging young researchers and students; organizing summer schools and training programmes.
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Education and Skills Development – The programme should include a mandatory component for education, qualification, and requalification, including the creation of master’s and doctoral programmes.
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Synergies with Existing Initiatives – Ensuring alignment with already approved initiatives (such as Teaming and Widening) to maximize synergies and expand research teams within Centers of Excellence.
BGH2A expresses its readiness to contribute expert support during the implementation of the programme—through participation in working groups, provision of technical expertise and data, and fostering partnerships between academia and industry.
