On 26th February 2020, the members of the BSCC had the privilege of meeting Mrs. Sasha Bezuhanova, Senior Executive Director, Angels’ Investor and Philanthropist, with a 20-year career as an Executive Director at HP and a multidimensional experience in benefit of the public.

Mrs. Bezuhanova introduced the topic “Digital Directions from Bulgaria”. She shared the results of the Innovationship 2019 survey (national survey on digital micro, small and start-up digital companies in Bulgaria), reflecting the next level of maturity of the Bulgarian startup ecosystem and confirming Bulgaria’s role as an important attractive center for innovation in the region. Startup companies have also a relative share in attracting foreign highly qualified personnel in the country – 29%. This positive dynamic can be accelerated if the government provides a specialized policy framework to support start-ups.

The presentation provoked participants in the event to ask questions and engage in an active discussion. H.E. Muriel Berset Kohen direct the discussion to the role of the state in the development of an innovative startup ecosystem. Mrs. Bezuhanova confirmed that the government is currently trying to direct efforts and resources towards innovation and start-up companies, but the state system is still not ready to “catch up” with the pace of development and change in the digital world.

The evening ended with a networking cocktail, kindly provided by Grand Foods Bulgaria.

The event was hosted by UniCredit Bulbank Bulgaria (International Center).