Workshop on “Clusters, Cluster Associations and Incubators – Environment for Development of SMEs

Workshop on “Clusters, Cluster Associations and Incubators – Environment for Development of SMEs” took place on 25 September 2009 at Hotel Holiday Inn, Sofia.

The prestigious event was organized by Bulgarian ICT Cluster with the financial support of European Commission and TAIEX.

The workshop is the first event in the country devoted to development of clusters, cluster associations and incubators. It gathered representatives of many existing and potential clusters and gave them opportunity to receive very useful information and best experiences from outstanding European cluster practitioners and managers.

The aim of the workshop was to create public awareness  for the  processes of cluster formation and development  in Bulgaria, to stress the need of government support and focused state policy for clusters and incubators. The event was also opportunity to stimulate good dialogue between the government and business.

The event started with opening speech of  Mr. Peter Statev – Chairman of The Bulgarian ICT Cluster and opening address made by The Deputy Minister of Economy, Energy and Tourism – Mr. Evgeny Angelov. It continued with the presentation of Mrs. Paulette Pommier, representative of UNIDO (specialized agency of the United Nations that promotes industrial development for poverty reduction, inclusive globalization and environmental sustainability)

Speakers of the event were: Mr. Christoph Beer-manager of ICT Cluster Bern, Switzerland and Cluster Manager of 2008, Mr. Sascha Stöppelkamp - manager of ICT Cluster in Bavaria, Prof. Dimitrios Serpanos from ISI/R.C. Athena, Mr. Zoltan Bendo - representative of the Pole Programme, Mrs. Leena Zittling – president of Prodemic Group, Finland and Mr. Boris Krstanovic - C.E.O of the Association of Croatian ICT Clusters – cro.ict.

Bulgarian speakers of the event were Mr. Peter Statev – Chairman of Bulgarian ICT Cluster, Mrs. Genoveva Hristova – Chairwoman of the Association of Business cCusters in Bulgaria, Mr. Angel Milev – Mechatronics and Automation Cluster, Mr. Todor Stanev -  Chairman of the managing board of the “High Tech Business Incubator” – Burgas. Mr. Stanimir Barzashki  - Executive Director of the Bulgarian Small and Medium Enterprise Agency and Mr. Angel Kovachev – expert from the Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism were the represenatives of state institutions responsible for the development of cluster policy in the country. They presented to the audience the futhure opportunities for cluster organizations in Bulgaria.

One of the most interesting presentation evoked many discussions was made by Mr. Jack Lang, professor from the University of Cambridge.

As a tradition the event ended with round table for discussions, questions and opinions.