JOINT INNOVATION CENTRE OF BAS

Their core work

The Joint Innovation Centre of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS) serves as a bridge between Bulgaria's largest research institution and the business sector, primarily through the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN). They deliver innovation management consulting, technology transfer support, and SME business acceleration services. Their core work involves helping Bulgarian SMEs access finance, internationalize, and adopt innovation practices developed within the BAS research ecosystem.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In the early period (2014-2016), JICBAS focused on public engagement through Researchers Night events and basic SME innovation support. From 2017 onward, their work became increasingly business-oriented, adding structured innovation management, Key Account Management (KAM), and access-to-finance services. By 2020, they had expanded into EIC preparation and internationalization — signaling a shift from domestic SME hand-holding toward helping Bulgarian companies compete at the European level.

JICBAS is moving from general innovation support toward specialized services that help SMEs access European funding instruments (EIC) and international markets — increasingly relevant for cross-border consortium building.

How they like to work

JICBAS operates exclusively as a participant, never as a coordinator — consistent with their role as a national EEN node embedded in larger European service networks. With 18 unique partners across only 2 countries, they work within stable, recurring consortia rather than building diverse international networks. This makes them a reliable delivery partner for Bulgaria-focused activities within larger European projects.

JICBAS has collaborated with 18 partners across 2 countries, reflecting a tight national network typical of EEN node operations. Their partnerships are concentrated within Bulgaria, with connections primarily through the Enterprise Europe Network structure.

What sets them apart

JICBAS occupies a rare position at the intersection of Bulgaria's premier research institution (BAS) and the Enterprise Europe Network — giving them direct access to both academic expertise and SME clients. For international partners, they offer a credible Bulgarian entry point that combines research credibility with practical business support infrastructure. Their consistent track record across four consecutive EEN cycles demonstrates institutional stability and operational reliability.

Highlights from their portfolio

• EEN InnoSupp BG-4
  Most recent and most mature project, expanding services to include EIC readiness and internationalization — shows the organization's current strategic direction.
• K-TRIO 2
  The only project with direct EC funding (EUR 18,000) and their sole non-EEN activity, focused on Researchers Night public engagement events.