The Second Research and Innovation Week (R&Iw2), held from September 7 to 11, 2026, at the University of Ruse “Angel Kanchev”, has successfully concluded. The purpose of the University of Ruse’s hosting was to carry out specialized workshops, networking activities, and in-depth knowledge sharing within the consortium. The official opening of the event was led by Assoc. Prof. Irina Kostadinova – Head of the STAR project for Bulgaria. Assoc. Prof. Anton Nedyalkov, Vice-Dean for Academic Affairs at the Faculty of Business and Management at the University of Ruse, conveyed his wishes for the successful execution of the planned activities and fruitful cooperation between business and the academic community.
The scientific program throughout the week included co-teaching sessions integrating various academic perspectives, as well as thematic research workshops focused on interactive problem-solving and hands-on activities. The academic panels featured prominent researchers, including Assoc. Prof. Tzvetelin Gueorguiev from the Technical University of Gabrovo, along with representatives of the project partners: Prof. Edyta PIETRZAK (TUL); Theodora Mihaela DOLTU, PhD, and Beatrice LEUȘTEAN, PhD (UNSTPB); Assoc. Prof. Elife AKIŞ (IU); Seydi Ababacar DIENG (INSTITUT EUROPEEN); Maria NICULAE (BEIA); and Gloria CINIERO, PhD (INFOR ELEA). From the Bulgarian project team, active participants in the activities included Assoc. Prof. Svilena Ruskova, Assoc. Prof. Nataliya Venelinova, Assoc. Prof. Svilen Kunev, Assist. Prof. Silviya Beloeva, and Ana Todorova, PhD.
A distinguishing feature of the scientific forum was the strong interdisciplinary approach through interdisciplinary fieldwork research, aimed at connecting theoretical concepts with practice via expert guidance and direct contact with the real business environment. As part of this initiative, the international research team conducted strategic visits to key cultural sites and production and innovation facilities in the region:
· A visit was made to the production facility of FAAC Bulgaria, located in the town of Tutrakan. As part of the international FAAC Technologies group, the company is a global leader in the development and production of automated access systems, parking solutions, barriers, and bollards. The visit allowed researchers to familiarize themselves with the processes of implementing strict standards for quality, safety, and technological innovation in large-scale industrial production.
· A visit was conducted to ANTOAN VILL – an established manufacturer in the field of women’s fashion, to analyze its production processes. As a highly export-oriented company delivering products to leading European markets, the enterprise is an excellent example of social responsibility and ethical business practices in the textile industry (supported by audits and quality certificates). The team explored good practices in supply chain management and resource optimization.
· Fieldwork research was conducted at the innovative automotive manufacturer L CITY CARS, which demonstrates new technological solutions in the industry. The company develops zero-emission electric vehicles primarily intended for urban deliveries. The attention of the international delegation was drawn to the fact that their production is entirely governed by the principles of the circular economy—with a focus on the durability of the platforms and the possibilities for their recycling and retrofitting.
· The delegation visited the UNITe Centre of Excellence and the Scientific Research Complex at the University of Ruse “Angel Kanchev”, highlighting the vital connection between higher
education and scientific research. The visit was carried out at the special invitation of representatives from Laboratories SG 3.1.3 “Intelligent Cyber-Physical Systems and Technologies for Generation and Visualization of Spatial Objects and Processes” and SG 3.1.2 “Sustainable Transport Mobility”, who visibly demonstrated their successful model of joint partnership. During the visit, Prof. Georgi Hristov, Prof. Ivan Beloev, Assist. Prof. Diyana Kinaneva, and Assist. Prof. Georgi Georgiev presented the impressive scientific and applied achievements of their research units to the international guests. An emphasis was placed on the synergy between Laboratory SG 3.1.3, Laboratory SG 3.1.2, and Laboratory SG 3.1.6 (“Mathematical Modeling, Innovative Business Models and Social Innovations”). The presented modern infrastructure, dedicated to information and communication technologies and digitalization, demonstrated the strategic role of the academic community in supporting the technological and ecological transformation of business.
· Within the framework of the interdisciplinary fieldwork research, visits were made to the Tsarevets Archaeological Complex and the historical center of Veliko Tarnovo. These locations served as illustrative examples of the preservation of cultural and historical heritage and the development of cultural tourism, which is a key factor for the sustainable development of regions.
· The visit to the Seven Generations Winery complex, which combines a winery, a restaurant, and accommodation and recreation facilities, presented the international team with one of the high-quality wine producers in the region. The site was reviewed as a successful model for local tourism, contributing to job creation for the local population and supporting the economic resilience of the community.
In this way, the event’s program integrated not only highly specialized business models but also good practices for socially responsible and cultural development. The conducted Research and Innovation Week reaffirmed the firm commitment of the University of Ruse and its partners to creating sustainable models for cooperation between science, business, and society, which is also the core mission of the STAR project.
