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The industrial revolution and economic activity have led humanity to unprecedented success in the production and development of technology, but also to a super-consumer society that has managed to consume more of the earth's resources than it is possible to reproduce on its own. We, humans, have changed the earth, the climate, and destroyed species faster than any other species. Bioeconomy is perceived as the innovative answer to the needed fundamental transformation of the production systems to overcome the present lock-in situation. In the recent years the European Union has given unappealable support to greening the economy across the Community. Policies, strategies, financial mechanisms are introducing the green practices and business models in key sectors and economies. A new era of economic revolution follows, in which Bulgaria also needs to take its role. The present paper tackles the emerging challenges and progress in moving towards the sustainability, which requires a fundamental shift in industry, education and science, institutions, and community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the growth of the Industry 4.0 transformation the economy has become to changed. Thus, not just the economy regulations are fostered but a new business approach has been arisen: the circular / regenerative economy approach. The EC already reacted as it introduced not just updated Sustainable development indices but a new set of indices: circular economy indices. According to this change of the economic model, the business organizations are fostered to change their business models, especially for the industry. Thus, not just the new regulations have to be introduced to the industrial business model but the total change of the added value of the business as introduction of green technologies or innovations for non-waste production value chains. Aim of the paper: to identify and to analyze the requirements to the business that foster them to change their linear business model to circular one. Methods: descriptive analysis of the Bulgarian economy according to circular economy indices; comparative analyses for identification of main differences between linear and circular economies; induction and deduction of the elements of business models. Results: analysis of the indices of circularity of the Bulgarian economy; analysis of requirements for transition from linear to circular economy; identifying requirements to the business model of a circular economy; systematizing rules / guidelines for transforming the business model of a linear economy into the business model of a circular economy. Conclusions: The indicators of the circular economy can be considered as a part of the harmonization process in the EU. Avoiding from the responsibilities of the circular economy approach by Bulgarian industry leads to moving away from the EU economies. This requires relevant national policies, measures and instruments to promote the transformation of the business model to circular one. The paper aims to present the need of industrial business model change as to analyze the starting position of the Bulgarian industry. Thus, the structure of the paper is following: 1. Introduction to Circular economy indices. 2. Definition of Circular economy approach. 3. Analysis of the Circular economy indices change for Bulgaria. 4. Introduction to business model change from linear to circular one. Conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first-of-its-kind University of Plovdiv transdisciplinary project "Vita Plus" is deemed to adopt some positive international practices to initiate and announce that there are researchers at the University of Plovdiv, interested in realizing tech transfers in the field of biotech innovations. Thus, the goal of the present paper is to explain what factors might be crucial to both characterize technological transfer of biotech innovations as successful from University researchers' viewpoint, and present them to business ventures for commercial purposes. Research methods of the study include data of the most recent thematic study of the World Bank on Bulgaria and analytical reviews of contemporary scientific literature to establish a modern Bulgarian platform for transfer of biotechnological know-hows to bio-based industries in the forthcoming era of bioeconomy. The results of the research are aimed at formation of comparativeanalytical parameters and benchmark indicators for economic valuation of implementation of biotechnological solutions in the emerging Bulgarian circular economy, based on observations at the "Vita Plus" project. Conclusions relate to derivation of a set of recommendations for formation of a new integrated approach for creating a working model for technological transfer of University researches and solutions in real bio-based industrial production through the University platform "Vita Plus". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to successfully meet the EU's resource efficiency targets by 2030, the transition to a circular economy model should become a state priority. This implies that the concept should be expanded not only to waste reduction and recycling, but also to the disruption of the dependence between economic growth and waste production. The purpose of this paper is to analyse how far in Bulgaria is done the transition to a circular model, while making a comparison with the EU and to prove the need for an accelerated implementation of adequate measures on the part of public authorities to promote such a change. Work is based on a descriptive analysis of secondary data on the performance of the selected indicators of circular economy and comparative analysis within the EU. The analysis shows the presence of a certain delay compared to the EU average indicators as well as unused opportunities not only related to more efficient use of resources, but also to a radical change in the business model. The conclusions reached indicate the existence of a number of obstacles that delay the transition. This calls for accelerating the reform of eco-fiscal and innovative government policies. The added value of the article is not only the analytical consideration of the problems, but mostly in drawing up recommendations for future measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the bioeconomy as a concept emerged in the late 20th century, it has generated a significant interest among researchers, policy makers and businesses in the last decade. The interdisciplinary character of the bioeconomy gives an opportunity to address major global challenges, both economic and environmental. The aim of the article is to outline different definitions, concepts, as well as to highlight the key bioeconomy sectors. The paper focuses on the links between the bioeconomy and circular economy, sustainable development, implementation of innovation, value chain formation as well as regional specialization. The survey applies historical, comparative, monographic methods of analysis. The theoretical roots and evolution of the concept are observed. The study analyses different approaches and perspectives regarding the bioeconomy sectors. The results indicate that there is no clear consensus on the definitions and key sectors of the bioeconomy in the global context. Despite the worldwide interest in bioeconomy, there are various challenges associated with the design and implementation of individual national, regional bioeconomy strategies, which could ensure the development of smart specialisation and green growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]