EUROPEAN POLICIES AND STRATEGIES 2020 ? ADMINISTRATION, INDUSTRY, EDUCATION IN BULGARIA

The export orientation of European industry in a significant degree is due to its competitiveness, formed under the influence of a regulatory framework at national and European level. The aim of article is a study on improving the competitiveness of Bulgarian companies in terms of membership in the EU. General scientific methods of induction and deduction, methods of statistical analysis and comparison have been used. It has been stipulated in the article that the formation of appropriate development strategies oriented to expand innovation is crucial for Bulgarian enterprises to control the pressure of market forces in the EU. The main directions of improving the competitive position of enterprises in Bulgaria are orientation to innovation development, clusters, implementation of European standards in the field of environment and energy efficiency, improvement of management and marketing strategies, improving the quality of human resources, innovation. The indicators that form the Innovation Index of the country have been analyzed: the proportion of graduates; educational level of young people; innovation costs; the share of employment in high-tech industries and services; number of research projects, research programs funded by enterprises. It has been proved that the study of competitiveness must not be purely scientific but have applied character that means have practical application. The content of the program “Innovation and Competitiveness” for the period 2014-2020 adopted by European Commission in March 2015 has been analyzed. The program aims to stimulate economic growth and increase productivity, especially of small and medium enterprises. Particular attention is paid to cooperation between business and research institutions, as well as how to enhance entrepreneurship in Bulgaria. The program will support measures for more efficient use of resources in businesses and increase their efficiency. This investment package of measures will help Bulgarian enterprises to raise the level of competitiveness, focus more on innovation and thus achieve European goals for sustainable growth.