Machine Translated by Google

European and National Higher Education Policy - Bologna Process

Bulgaria'sparticipation in the Bologna process in 1999 led to the introduction of a system of three levels of study and their corresponding degrees - ECS (educational qualification degree) "Bachelor", ECS "Master" and ONS (educational scientific degree) "Doctor". In accordance with this, the question had to be raised about reconsidering the management models of higher education institutions and introducing per capita funding, depending on the number

74 Update DV. br.112 dated December 27, 1995, last changes and additions of the Far East. br. 98 of December 9, 2016

75. 
    According to the National Statistical Institute, as of April 28, 2016: http://www.nsi.bg/bg
    

203

Machine Translated by Google

enrolled students. At the same time, the emergence of private higher education institutions, in parallel with the trend towards increasing enrollment in state universities, has radically changed the scope and structure of the higher education sector in the country and increased competition between institutions providing higher education in Bulgaria. After Bulgaria joined the European Union in 2007, it was forced to become an active participant in all Community projects, including the creation of a single educational space included in the Lisbon Treaty.

In the Program for the Modernization of Higher Education in Europe,76 with which Bulgaria is directly linked, the European Commission identifies five key areas for reform: increasing the number of graduates; improving the quality and effectiveness of teaching and learning; encouraging the mobility of students and university employees and cross-border cooperation; strengthening the "triangle of knowledge" linking education, research and innovation; creation of effective mechanisms for the management and financing of higher education.

The educational reform for the implementation of the Program led to changes in the Higher Education Law, which were adopted in 2010 and 2011. Changes in the regulatory framework have made it possible for higher education institutions to carry out research work on a contractual basis with public and private clients, as well as with other higher education institutions. New regulations regulate the export of joint master'sand doctoral programs, using educational franchising methods that are innovative for Bulgaria.

The dynamic development of science, technology and economics has posed a new

challenge for universities. They have become active participants, both in relation to the

implementation of research activities, education and training, and in the field of direct

interaction with business, creating their own production units, including academic

entrepreneurship.

(Georgieva, 2011).