How the SPECTRA project helped the development of the creative community in Bulgaria

Project SPECTRA (Stimulating the effectiveness of regional ecosystems in the creative and creative industries) completes its two-year mission, leaving behind a significant legacy in the development of the creative communities in Bulgaria and Ireland. Through a variety of initiatives, events and collaboration opportunities, it has given a chance to many entrepreneurs and representatives of the creative sector to expand their horizons, develop their ideas and strengthen their positions, engaging with the larger European creative community with the help of partners from Denmark and Germany.

BIC Inobridge played an important role in the inclusion of representatives of the creative industries from Bulgaria, providing opportunities for mentorship, funding and participation in international events and organizing trainings on topics relevant to the audience. The Innobridge team actively supported the participants in their professional development and encouraged the exchange of ideas between creators and start-ups in Bulgaria.

Thanks to the efforts of BIC Innobridge, the project was able to engage a wide audience of creative entrepreneurs, providing them with a platform for expression and support. The organization provided a network of collaboration and fostered connections between creators, local communities and investors, key to the sustainable development of the sector. Here are some of the highlights of our two years of work that had a direct impact on participants:

Study visits and opportunities to share international experience

• Ireland: Participants learned about initiatives such as CREW, a creative technology innovation hub, and Galway Culture Company, and how the creative community is developing in Galway, especially as 2020 the city was declared the cultural capital of Europe.
• Denmark: The emphasis was on the finals of Creative Business Cup for 2023 and visiting innovation hubs such as Copenhill. Denmark is a pioneer in the development and support of creative industries, and the experience of the Creative Business Network in organizing numerous initiatives dedicated to working with various creators and start-up companies served to inspire the Bulgarian participants. They gleaned valuable insights into creating sustainable models to support and drive innovation in local creative ecosystems.
• Ruse, Bulgaria: Events organized by BIC Inobridge and the Ruse Chamber of Commerce and Industry demonstrated the state of the local ecosystem, including representatives such as the Bulgarian Fashion Association, Arena Media, Ruse Municipality, Ruse University, Koleliba OOD and the future designers from the Vocational High School of Clothing "Nedka Ivan Lazarova ".
• Germany: The visit to the Berlin Fashion Hub and the MediaTech Hub Potsdam and the examples of successful models for supporting start-ups were only part of the German ecosystem that impressed the participants with its integrated support for innovation. These hubs demonstrated how technology and creative industries can work together to create sustainable business solutions targeting global markets. Participants learned more about approaches to mentorship, funding and infrastructure development for creative innovations that can be adapted and implemented in Bulgaria.

„Deep Dive' sessions and the creative industries in depth

Innobridge organized a series of online “Deep Dive' sessions that provided expert insight on topics such as:

• The role of women, artificial intelligence and the gaming industry – with an emphasis on the economic potential of gaming;
• Ethical use of Artificial Intelligence – Presentation and application of the new European legislation on AI and its impact on the creative industries;
• How AI is changing the world of translators, copywriters and graphic designers in Bulgaria.

The sessions included international experts who shared important information regarding the development of creative businesses, attitudes, expectations and the future of the sector.

Creative Business Cup and the Bulgarian finalists on the international stage

Thanks to SPECTRA, the finalists from Bulgaria – Rosey's Mark and A flower in a test tube – participated in the global finals of Creative Business Cup in Copenhagen. They shared that participating in such an event greatly improved their skills in pitching to investors and expanded their network of contacts.

Sprint & Pitch sessions to support startups

Sprint & Pitch sessions have helped start-ups like Taratanzi and Casting X to perfect their pitch presentations and get valuable advice from mentors. Participants emphasized the importance of such initiatives to create communities and exchange good practices.

Results and Contribution

Project SPECTRA achieved:

• Providing mentorship and financial resources to startups;
• Promotion of international partnerships and dialogue between creators, local authorities and investors;
• Creation of innovative trainings such as Deep Dive sessions that provided key insights for the future development of the sector.

The future of creative industries in Bulgaria

The SPECTRA project demonstrates that creative industries can be a key driver of economic and social growth. With the active role of BIC Inobridge and the successful implementation of the initiatives, the project leaves a lasting mark that will inspire and support creators and entrepreneurs in Bulgaria and the region for years to come.