The transition to a circular economy was discussed at a meeting at the Ministry of Economy and Industry. Representatives of the scientific community, the Administration of the Council of Ministers, the Ministry of Environment and Water and the Ministry of Innovation and Growth took part in the conversation. The meeting was hosted by Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry Yanko Topalov.
‘The implementation of this process will help to build sustainability in the long term,’ said Yanko Topalov. He added that ‘the involvement of academia in the smooth transition from a linear to a circular economy is key’.
Participants in the conversation discussed that it is very important to raise awareness on issues related to the green transition, as well as the need for companies to invest in this area, which will lead to added value for their own business. It was also commented that a change in mindset is essential to make these business ideas happen.
‘Moving from a linear economy to a circular economy is a fundamental change in the economic order,’ the Deputy Minster of Economy said, pointing out that ‘this change must cover the entire production cycle — the design of products, the movement of material flows, the creation of the right incentives and legal structures to stimulate business ideas.’
During the meeting the adopted Strategy for Transition to a Circular Economy of the Republic of Bulgaria for the period 2022—2027 and its Action Plan were discussed. It was discussed that it is of utmost importance to involve academia in decision-making at institutional level and to apply their expertise in the process of moving from a linear to a circular economy.