The US dominates the current, third edition of the "Transatlantic Regional Innovation Competitiveness Index," occupying seven of the top ten spots in the rankings. The study, prepared by the German Economic Institute in Cologne (Institut der deutschen Wirtschaft - IW), analyzes 213 regions from 13 countries to reveal disparities that often remain hidden behind national indicators. Topping the list are the US states of Massachusetts and California. The project was carried out as part of the activities of the Global Trade and Innovation Policy Alliance.
Of the 28 Bulgarian districts included, only Sofia-City and Varna managed to rank in the top 100. According to the main table, the positions of our country are as follows:
- Sofia-City: 69th place (38.9 points)
- Varna: 94th place (31 points)
- Followed by Montana (123rd), Gabrovo (129th), and Smolyan (136th)
- Shumen is 140th, Ruse is 142nd, Plovdiv is 145th, Burgas is 154th, and Stara Zagora is 170th
- Sofia Province occupies the 196th position
- Ranking lowest are Yambol (204th) and Haskovo (208th)
Sofia-City shows interesting results in individual components: the capital ranks 40th in "knowledge economy," 85th in innovation capacity, and 178th in the "Globalization" indicator, which includes foreign investment and high-tech exports. Regarding the share of university graduates among the population aged 25-64, the capital ranks third with 55%, trailing only Budapest (59%) and the Warsaw capital region (57%). In the category for households with broadband internet, Sofia leads with 98.6 percent. At the same time, the authors highlight a concerning fact: nine of the ten regions with the lowest manufacturing productivity are Bulgarian.
The German Economic Institute (Institut der deutschen Wirtschaft) is a private organization that supports the social market economy, competition, and open markets. Its research and publishing activities are funded through membership fees from business associations, employer organizations, and companies, with their analyses aimed at the general public, institutions, and the business community.