Science and technology (S&T) are of vital importance to every country, large or small, in developing a knowledge-based economy. The success of S&T in leading countries is derived from science policies that encourage long-sighted programmes and are closely linked to pro-active budgetary controls.

In Bulgaria, the S&T sector reflects many of the economic and social challenges experienced by the country as a whole. It suffers from a chronic lack of adequate funding and has been slow to modernise its basic research structure. These weaknesses are compounded by the absence of coherent, long-term S&T policies. Despite these weaknesses, this Review provides evidence of the human and scientific potential for an effective S&T system that can make a strong contribution to Bulgaria’s economic development.

This review provides an overview of the S&T sector in Bulgaria and its links to education. Topics covered by this review include:

• The legislative framework.
• Institutional arrangements for research and teaching with specific information on the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and higher education institutions.
• Budgeting mechanisms.
• Regional and international co-operation including EU policy initiatives.
• The impact of brain drain and aging on human resources.

Sample case studies and best practices in S&T policymaking are provided to illustrate the analysis. The final chapter includes a series of recommendations. This review will be useful for decision makers, and professionals around the world.

This publication is part of the OECD's ongoing co-operation with non-member economies around the world.