"Scientific research" Almanac

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  STUDYING THE INNOVATIVE ACTIVITY IN PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SECTOR IN THE DANUBE REGION

  The main objective of this study is to investigate the activity of businesses and local authorities in the Danube region in terms of demand and creation of knowledge and innovation. The tasks are: to examine the need for innovation in the private and public sector in the Danube region and to provide specific recommendations and measures to ... The main objective of this study is to investigate the activity of businesses and local authorities in the Danube region in terms of demand and creation of knowledge and innovation. The tasks are: to examine the need for innovation in the private and public sector in the Danube region and to provide specific recommendations and measures to increase their innovation activity. The main thesis advanced in this study is that the search for knowledge and innovation by local businesses and administration is insufficient, but can and should be induced by apparent and tacit knowledge exchanged between entrepreneurs in regional innovation systems. The output of multidimensional quantitative analysis of the innovation needs of the public and business sectors is systematized in the study. To solve the problems identified in the study specific recommendations and measures are outlined, which are to support the creation of local creative environment, full exploitation of the endogenous potential of the Danube region and to facilitate the diffusion of knowledge and innovation in both business organizations and the work process of local authorities.

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  EXPLORING THE POSSIBILITIES FOR IMPROVING THE COMPETITIVENESS OF BREWERIES IN BULGARIA

  Contemporary realities and the transition to a new civilizational model of development – “Knowledge-based economy” modify the ways of achieving competitiveness of enterprises. ICT, innovations and human capital are becoming major factors of corporate progress. The three listed pillars determine relevant changes in the sectoral structure of ... Contemporary realities and the transition to a new civilizational model of development – “Knowledge-based economy” modify the ways of achieving competitiveness of enterprises. ICT, innovations and human capital are becoming major factors of corporate progress. The three listed pillars determine relevant changes in the sectoral structure of Bulgaria, especially in the brewing sub-sector; in the “architecture” of its competitive intensity and in the formation of its competitive advantages. In this respect, the purpose of this particular project study is to assess and analyze the competitiveness of Bulgarian enterprises in the brewing sub-sector at present and in the future. The paper advocates the idea that in order for the breweries in Bulgaria to be highly competitive, they have to intensively use ICT, actively implement innovations and constantly broaden and enrich the knowledge of their staff. The assessment (based on surveys and direct interviews) of the competitiveness of national brewers reveals their state and “bottlenecks”, defines the main conclusions and outlines recommendations for their effective development and growth.

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  ANALYSIS OF SUPPLEMENTARY PENSION FUNDS OPERATIONS IN BULGARIA

  The purpose of this research paper is to evaluate pension funds operations in Bulgaria. The achievement of this goal involves reviewing the following tasks: Clarifying the nature and goals of supplementary pension insurance; Evaluation of the macroeconomic environment for the development of supplementary pension insurance; Analysis of ... The purpose of this research paper is to evaluate pension funds operations in Bulgaria. The achievement of this goal involves reviewing the following tasks: Clarifying the nature and goals of supplementary pension insurance; Evaluation of the macroeconomic environment for the development of supplementary pension insurance; Analysis of supplementary pension insurance funds operations in Bulgaria for the period 2007-2011 according to the following indicators: achieved investment results, net assets, and number of insured people. The main thesis of the current research paper supports the idea that the functioning of pension funds is closely related to the macroeconomic environment. It influences investment policies and the financial situation of private pension funds, as well as the capitalization of individual accounts of insured people. We have formulated the following conclusions based on the current study: Supplementary pension insurance provides supplementary insurance protection against the following risks: disability, old age, death; Supplementary pension insurance leads to increased pension savings; The size of payments of supplementary pension insurance to insured or entitled people depends on the accrued funds in the individual accounts and their investment gains; Due to the global economic crisis there has been a drop in profitability that has affected all pension funds. Net assets have decreased in professional and voluntary pension funds; The Sharpe ratio gives a comprehensive overview of the investment policy of pension providers; By assessing the Sharpe's ratio, we can conclude that the leader among pension providers is “Rodina” PIC .