GERB's Strategy: Bulgaria Can't Afford R&D, Relies on Innovations

Scientific research and development activities are too costly for Bulgaria but at the same time the Bulgarian economy will rely on innovation for its growth, according to the paradoxical "National Priorities" list of the ruling Bulgarian center-right party GERB.

The list entitled "National Priorities" was presented by PM and GERB leader Boyko Borisov during his Friday's meeting with Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev (himself elected as a candidate of Borisov and the GERB party several months ago).

According to GERB's national priorities, there is no way Bulgaria can pay for costly fundamental scientific research, and it can only afford to urge Bulgarian scientists to take part in international research in order to maintain their level.

"IMPORTANT: Bulgarian cannot afford to conduct high-priced fundamental scientific research," the GERB priorities document reads.

"But it can afford to encourage the inclusion of Bulgarian scientists in international research in order to maintain the level of fundamental sciences in the country," Bulgaria's ruling party continues.

According to the document, "the main purpose and responsibility of the GERB political party" is "encouragement of economic growth, increasing employment, and increasing income."

At the same time, however, GERB claims that one of its main goals is the "Redirection of the Bulgarian Economy" to sectors with high value added.

"Fewer than 0.5 million Bulgarians work in sectors with high value added. The government policies must facilitate the creation of at least as many quality jobs, and the securing of the workforce for them. Bulgaria's development must be directed also towards a strong export orientation and international cooperation in high-technology goods and services," explains the document of Bulgaria's rulers.

"The goals can be achieved only through front-running growth based on export-oriented sectors, and the development of Bulgaria's innovation potential," concludes further the same paper in which the GERB party claims that Bulgaria cannot afford to finance fundamental R & D activities.

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