A recent roundtable discussion at Burgas state University brought together key players in Bulgaria’s education and business sectors to explore teh future of higher education and its role in meeting the needs of the workforce. The event, titled “Perspectives and strategies for the cooperation between higher education institutions, employers and trade unions in South-Eastern Europe,” saw participation from trade union organizations, local authorities, and representatives from numerous bulgarian universities, employers’ organizations, and businesses.
Professor Dr. Hristo Bozov, MD, Rector of Burgas State University, outlined a vision for collaborative action. “Our joint initiative between the university and the chairman VON-KNSB prof. Liliana Valcheva aims to discuss how higher education can be useful to business in cooperation with trade unions,” he stated. “In this regard, I propose the following concrete, synchronized measures between the three interested parties: coordination of educational programs in higher education with business and trade unions, securing work for students through internship programs and internships, expanding the participation of people from business in teaching activities and creating scholarship funds from business to support students.”
Professor Valcheva,who praised the university’s leadership,pledged support for Bulgarian higher education,emphasizing the need to “synchronize state orders for admission of students with the needs of business,mandatory internships and practices for students from the first year,[and] development of ‘living laboratories’ at universities to work for real business.”
A Call for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Mihail Nenov, the deputy mayor for “Education, health care, social activities and youth policies” in the Municipality of Burgas, commended the university’s initiative and suggested that future discussions focus on two crucial skills for Bulgarian students: entrepreneurship and innovation.
Capt. Georges Dereliev, chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Burgas, and his deputy Vitka Valcheva proposed enhancing the university’s career center by creating a web platform to connect students directly with potential employers. This idea resonated with both the university’s leadership and representatives from visiting universities.
“Every employer needs excellently prepared specialists, but in the end they take what is available on the market.Bulgarian business and higher education institutions in our country suffer from the lack of forecasting what kind of specialists society will need not now, but in a few years,” observed yavor zhekov, a member of the Management Board of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce. “In this regard, I would like to congratulate Prof. Bozov and the academic leadership for their foresight to prepare specialties that will be very necessary in the future.”
The discussion continued with insights from Dmytro Zakharchenko, executive director of “Promet Steel,” and representatives from over 10 universities across Bulgaria, highlighting the collaborative spirit and commitment to shaping the future of education and workforce development in the region.
## Bridging the Gap: An Interview with Professor dr. Hristo Bozov on the Future of Bulgarian Higher Education
**World Today News:** Professor Bozov, thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. The recent roundtable discussion at Burgas State University shed light on a critical topic: the evolving relationship between higher education and the workforce.Could you elaborate on the key takeaways from the event?
**Professor Bozov:** The discussions were incredibly insightful. A common thread emerged; a clear need for strong collaboration between universities, employers, and trade unions to ensure Bulgarian graduates are equipped with the skills demanded by the modern workplace.
**World Today News:** This collaboration seems vital given the rapid advancements in technology and industry demands. What specific strategies were proposed during the roundtable to achieve this synergy?
**Professor Bozov:** Several promising strategies emerged.These included:
* **More industry-focused curricula:** Universities need to carefully assess evolving industry needs and tailor their curricula accordingly. Internship programs, collaborative research projects with businesses, and guest lectures by industry professionals are crucial to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical request.
* **Investing in continuous learning:** Lifelong learning is becoming increasingly important. Universities need to offer retraining and upskilling programs for professionals already in the workforce to adapt to the changing demands of various sectors.
* **Strengthening dialogue channels:**
Establishing clear and open communication channels between universities, employers, and trade unions is crucial. This can involve joint forums, regular meetings, and collaborative platforms to exchange insights, address challenges, and predict future skill requirements.
* **Promoting employer involvement in curriculum development:** Inviting employers to participate in curriculum design ensures that what’s being taught aligns with real-world needs. This could involve industry experts contributing to course content, providing mentorship opportunities, or offering feedback on student projects.
**World Today News:** What role can Burgas State University play in leading these changes in Bulgaria’s higher education landscape?
**Professor Bozov:** Burgas State University is committed to being at the forefront of this transformation. We are actively working on implementing the strategies discussed at the roundtable. Such as, we are developing new degree programs in collaboration with local businesses to meet the specific needs of our region.we are also strengthening our partnerships with employers through internship programs and joint research projects.
Our goal is to create a truly collaborative ecosystem where universities, businesses, and trade unions work together to ensure that Bulgarian graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the 21st century workforce.
**World Today News:** Thank you, Professor Bozov, for sharing your insights. The insights from the roundtable and Burgas State University’s commitment to leading change offer hope for a brighter future for Bulgarian higher education and its contribution to national development.
