Social Innovation Country Report:
Bulgaria
In Bulgaria, there is a working definition for social innovation used by policymakers but not legally recognized.
Legal and Policy Frameworks

Bulgaria has adopted the following legal frameworks, strategies, and vision documents related to social innovation:

  • Social Entrepreneurship
  • Social Innovation
  • Social Businesses
  • Social [and Solidarity] Economy
  • Impact Economy
  • Non-profit organizations and charities
  • ESG
Current stage of implementation:
Stage3: Impact Economy
Stage4: ESG
Stage5: Social Entrepreneurship / Innovation / Businesses / [and Solidarity] Economy
Stage6: Social Entrepreneurship / Innovation / Businesses / [and Solidarity] Economy

with:

  • Stage1: “No Policy or Recognition: No formal recognition, discussion, or policy exists. The sector operates informally or without government involvement.”;
  • Stage2: “Initial Discussions & Awareness: The government acknowledges the sector and has started discussions or consultations, but no formal policy framework or regulation exists.”;
  • Stage3: “Draft Policy or Framework in Development: A draft policy, strategy, or regulatory framework is currently being developed. The government may be conducting research, stakeholder consultations, or legislative drafting.”;
  • Stage4: “Pilot Programs or Limited Implementation: Some initiatives, pilot projects, or partial government-backed programs exist, but full implementation has not yet been achieved. Policies may be tested in select regions or for specific groups.”;
  • Stage5: “Policy Adopted but Not Fully Implemented: A formal law, policy, or regulation has been passed, but it has not been fully implemented, enforced, or funded. Gaps in execution may still exist.”;
  • Stage6: “Policy in Effect & Actively Implemented: The policy is fully enacted and actively being implemented. There is clear government support, funding, and enforcement mechanisms in place.”;
  • Stage7: “Policy Reviewed & Strengthened: The existing policy has been evaluated and improved over time based on feedback, data, or evolving needs. New funding, incentives, or structural reforms may have been introduced.”; and
  • Stage8: “Leading in Policy Innovation: The country is recognized as a leader in this policy area, with best practices, strong regulatory frameworks, and incentives that actively promote and support the sector.”

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More details:
  • Law on Social and Solidarity Economy Enterprises
  • National Conseption for Social Economy
  • Political framework for development of the social responsibility and sustainability
Ecosystem Actors
Key Actors in the Ecosystem

The leading actors driving social innovation in Bulgaria include government ministries, social enterprises, NGOs, philanthropic institutions, academia, and other ecosystem builders. The top three most influential actors are:

  • Government entity (ministries/agencies)
  • Social entreprises & social innovateurs (Impact hubs)
  • Academic and research centers

Examples: https://seconomy.mlsp.government.bg/?lang=enhttps://www.mlsp.government.bg/eng/korporativna-sotsialna-otgovornosthttps://social-economy-gateway.ec.europa.eu/my-country/bulgaria_en

Education and Capacity Building

Formal and informal education programs that support social innovation exist in the following forms in Bulgaria:

  • Limited or informal programs:“ Some training programs, workshops, or university courses are available, but they are not widespread or systematically integrated into the education system
  • University-level courses or degrees:“ Social innovation, social entrepreneurship, or impact-driven business programs are offered as courses, degrees, or research tracks in universities or technical institutions
  • Government-supported training programs:“ The government has launched or funded capacity-building programs, incubators, or skill-development initiatives to support social innovation
  • Comprehensive national framework:“ The government has integrated social innovation education into national curricula, vocational training, or entrepreneurship development programs, with structured support and funding.
Coordinating Bodies

A centralized body responsible for coordinating social innovation efforts across sectors does not exist in Bulgaria.

Details:

At national level: www.mlsp.government.bg; At local level: SOFIA DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION https://www.sofia-da.eu/en/

Ecosystem Communication
The level of communication and coordination among key actors in Bulgaria’s social innovation ecosystem is currently extensive:“ strong collaboration with regular communication and joint initiatives.
Support Mechanisms for Policy and Finance
Policy Incentives and Support Mechanisms

To support social innovation, Bulgaria has implemented the following incentives and mechanisms:

  • Incentives for individuals to fund social innovation or social businesses,
  • Government-backed funding programs (e.g., grants, subsidies, social impact funds)

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Further Information:

Financing Mechanisms

Social innovation in Bulgaria is financed through a variety of mechanisms including:

  • Public subsidy and grants
Impact
Flagship Programs and Achievements

Notable achievements and flagship programs in social innovation in Bulgaria include:Recovery plan 13 000 000 Euro for development of the social economy and social innovations.

International Collaborations

Bulgaria is involved in international collaborations on social innovation through the following initiatives:

European strategical framework for developing social economy and social innovation. European Pillar for social rights, Roadmap on a Social Europe, etc.

Tech for Good Innovations

Technological innovations in Bulgaria that may be transferable to other countries include:
NA

Further details: Due to the National recovery plan Bulgarian Ministry of Labour started a procedure for creating a digital platform for support of the social and solidary economy.

Impact Measurement Frameworks

Bulgaria has a formal framework or methodology for measuring social innovation impact.

Further details: https://lex.bg/bg/laws/ldoc/2137187968

Economic Contribution of Social Innovation
Reports on Social Impact

There are no Reports and studies that assess the social impact of innovation in Bulgaria.

Policy Momentum

Momentum for social innovation as a public policy issue in Bulgaria is currently rated as:

Some Momentum: There is growing awareness and initial efforts in public policy, but implementation remains limited or fragmented.

Barriers to Growth

The following barriers are currently hindering the growth of social innovation in Bulgaria:

  • Weak collaboration between public, private, and civil society sectors,
  • Difficulty in measuring and demonstrating impact,
  • Limited access to skilled professionals in the sector
Collaborative Ideas
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