SECTORAL INNOVATION SYSTEM OF AGRIBUSINESS IN BULGARIA - MAIN CHALLENGES AND PERSPECTIVES

This paper discusses the importance of public policy and current issues in the context of Agricultural Knowledge and Information System (AKIS) in Bulgaria. The goal is to outline the major challenges and perspectives as basis for analysis of the innovation potential within the sectoral innovation system of the agricultural sector in Bulgaria. Analysed is data about the major stakeholders, international and national programs supporting innovations in the sector, creation of new knowledge and technological solutions, scientific and research activity, state of transfer of technology in the context of agricultural ecosystem. A systematic approach with qualitative monitoring and quantitative assessment are applied for evaluation and definition of the types of effects in the innovation ecosystem. The results confirm, that despite the efforts and funds supporting AKIS, the public policy is not efficient, the stakeholder's activity is limited, and the innovation and transfer of technology are not enough powerful to drive the economic growth and competitiveness in agriculture. The development of innovation potential should be based on the implementation of policies/addressing of measures that are relevant to the potential of the units of the innovation ecosystem and the priorities for their development.