XVIII International Scientific Conference – SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

In the period of May 18-20, 2023, for the 18th time, the academic community of the International Business School organized an International Scientific Conference on the theme “Sustainable Development – Circular Economy, Critical Infrastructures, Green Transition.” Distinguished scholars from Bulgaria, Croatia, Lithuania, Poland, and Malaysia participated in the conference.

Associate Professor Dr. Stela Baltova, Vice-Rector for Research and International Cooperation at the International Business School, opened the conference and greeted all participants and guests: “The goal of this interdisciplinary research conference is to present the latest results from research, developments, and applications in the field of social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, and humanities. It aims to discuss all areas of sustainable development, including the environment, economy, energy, infrastructure, health, social development, cultural issues, etc. Understanding that, in addition to the policies underlying the green transition, communication and knowledge are crucial, we have created two joint master’s programs with our partner universities, Burgas Free University and the University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy. These programs are closely related to the topics of circular economy and the security of strategic infrastructures and productions. I wish all participants to find inspiration today and generate new ideas for joint research and applied projects.”

Professor Dr. Georgi Apostolov, Rector of the International Business School, also extended greetings on behalf of himself, Ms. Lena Gaydarska, President of the International Business School, and the entire academic community to all participants: “This conference brings together not just colleagues but friends and like-minded individuals, people who share values and interests in the field of sustainable development. We feel extremely fortunate to be together with you today. Our conference is held on the eve of one of the brightest holidays celebrated by our people – the Day of Slavic Enlightenment and Culture. This is not accidental because for us, the pursuit of knowledge is a mission. We would like it to go under this motto, emphasizing the importance of knowledge and paying tribute to all those who preserve, develop, and transmit it.” He delivered a plenary lecture on the topic “The Role of Academic Institutions in the Processes of Ensuring Sustainable Development.” Its aim is to propose a holistic approach to the topic of sustainable development, opening a broad field for discussion during the conference—a space where many different perspectives, both traditional and innovative, can meet. It also aims to critically review the importance, development, and current state of science and identify deficiencies and disproportions that negatively impact sustainable development processes.

Congratulation addresses were presented by Professor Dr. Denis Jelasic, Secretary-General of WOODEMA – the international association for economics, management, marketing, quality, and human resources in forestry and the forest industry, and lecturer at the University of Zagreb, Croatia; Dr. Sijka Katsarova – Chair of the Management Board of BUBSPA – the Bulgarian Union of Balneology and SPA Tourism; Dr. Mitko Vassilev – CEO of the German-Bulgarian Industrial and Commercial Chamber; and Professor Dr. Milen Baltov – Rector of Burgas Free University.

The first part of the conference continued with a panel discussion on the topic “Policies for Sustainable Development – National and European Dimensions and Their Reflection on Research and Education” moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Daniela Georgieva, Dean of IBS. Six distinguished scholars in the field of sustainable development participated in the discussion: Prof. Dr. Nikolay Shterev from the University of National and World Economy, author of over 100 publications in the field of industrial development, industrial growth, regenerative and circular economy. Prof. Dr. Milen Baltov, an expert in innovation, industrial zones, and the creation of intermediary links for projects in Bulgaria, Croatia, North Macedonia, and Kazakhstan, and Rector of Burgas Free University, a representative of Bulgaria in the Program Committee for the “European Innovation Council” under the Horizon Europe program. Prof. Dr. Spartak Keremidchiev from the Institute for Economic Research at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, specializing in strategic management of the water sector and a prominent scholar in the field of corporate governance. Prof. Dr. Vanya Ivanova from Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski,” a lecturer in Circular Economy and Sustainable Development and author of the monograph “Circular Economy – Between Necessity and Possibility.” Dr. Daniela Stoeva, Deputy Chair of the Association of Bulgarian Tour Operators and Travel Agents, an expert in tourism since 1996, and a member of the Executive Board of the European Committee of the Associations of Travel Agents. Dr. Kiril Velichkov, Director of European Projects and Financial Instruments at OBB and OBB Interlease, Manager of the “Competence Center of KBC Group for European Financial Instruments,” a representative of KBC Group in the Working Group for Financial Instruments of the Vienna Initiative 2.0, with over 23 years of experience in European programs and Chairman of the Working Group for European Financial Instruments in the Association of Banks in Bulgaria.