A new stage in the development of the relationship between the economy and education was set today with the signing of a strategic cooperation agreement between the Association of Bulgarian Employers' Organizations (ABRO) and the National Agency for Evaluation and Accreditation (NAEA). With the document, the two parties declare their ambition to build a sustainable bridge between the needs of business and the training of personnel in higher education.
The agreement reflects the growing need for stronger integration between universities and the real economy. The main goal – improving the quality of educational programs and creating specialists who meet the modern requirements of the labor market.
Among the key agreements are the participation of business representatives in the accreditation and external evaluation processes, the inclusion of experts from the AOBR in the councils of the NEAA, as well as the creation of a working feedback system between employers and universities.
“Quality education is not an end in itself. It is the basis for a competitive economy and a driver of innovation“, said the AOBR.
Employer organizations expressed concern about the deepening problems in higher education – oversupply of personnel in unprofitable specialties, poor practical training and lack of adequate implementation of graduates. Data from the Rating System show that over 39% of graduates in the country work in positions that do not require higher education.
The President of the NEAA, Prof. Dr. Eliza Stefanova, emphasized that the mission of educational institutions is not simply to issue diplomas, but to be a real engine for the development of the economy and society.
“I believe that with today's agreement we are setting the beginning of positive changes. Education must keep pace with business and reality - only in this way can we achieve sustainable growth“, said Prof. Stefanova.
During the meeting, important highlights for future work were set: limiting admission to specialties with low realization, incentives for training in technical and engineering fields, adapting accreditation criteria to economic needs and expanding opportunities for dual training.
The representatives of the AOBR expressed their conviction that the university should not be just an educational institution, but a real starting platform for successful professional realization. By signing this agreement, business and education are taking a decisive step towards a future in which knowledge and practice go hand in hand.