Achieving a visible change in society used to take years, but today high technologies help for the rapid realization of our ideas. We live in dynamic and rapidly changing conditions and often have to react quickly to the challenges. To cope with them an innovative and unconventional approach, boldness and faith in success are required. Innovators are not afraid to think outside the box; to be curious and to find solutions. That was the goal of "Innovation Camp" that took place in the town of Gabrovo this month. More about the event from Tanya Hristova, Mayor of the Gabrovo Municipality:

"In the spring, president of the Committee of the Regions of the EU, Markku Markkula, met with Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev. The visit was dedicated to innovations, young people and the development of European countries in the context of all relevant policies. That was the time when the idea for organising the Innovation Camp emerged. It is an extremely successful initiative and a platform that brings together people with different professions and interests, having inspirational ideas. They contribute to finding specific solutions with practical application.”

One of them was aimed at bridging the development gap in innovation application in different parts of Europe. Unfortunately, in Bulgaria this process is not so easy. This is a reason to seek connections with other countries in order to work together towards a sustainable form of development.

Also, it has become clear that traditional forms of education are obsolete and new flexible ways that allow each individual to express their talents are needed. That is why one of the topics at the forum was related to ways of making education more attractive.

The third challenge was also particularly relevant. It sought answers to the question what it means being a citizen in the 21st century?

More than 120 participants took part in the forum. In addition to representatives of 18 Bulgarian towns, there were participants from Belgium, France, Spain, the Netherlands and Finland, while there were representatives of 18 Bulgarian towns. People of different ages formed 8 working groups, aimed at solving specific problems.

What were the most interesting and practical solutions?

"I cannot say that some are better than others. All ideas are inspiring, which is the most important. Offered solutions were very relevant and for realising some of them motivation and commitment are all that is required. However, together with participants we need to find options for financing.”

Another interesting project, entitled "digibaba" won applauses from the audience. It aims at finding a solution for the digital integration of the elderly. Ms. Hristova added that as a society we need to find ways of helping the elderly in their inclusion in the modern world as their lives were quite isolated and monotonous. Here is what attracted the interest of Svetlozar Andreev, administrator in the Committee of the Regions in Brussels.

"I was impressed by an idea of students from Gabrovo, the Varna High School of Mathematics and students from the technical universities in Sofia and Gabrovo. They proposed the creation of hubs, which would allow for regular meetings between representatives of local authorities and students from the region. This way specific problems related to the city could be discussed."

Participants in the camp say that the positive energy it created should be invested in achieving actual effects. A goal of the organizers is the forum to become more specialized next year, thus providing significantly better results.

English: Alexander Markov