Expenditures for innovations and foreign direct investments in Bulgaria - regional aspects, features and trends

Abstract

The study examines the costs of innovation and foreign direct investment by district (NUTS 3), Planning regions (NUTS 2) and Regions (NUTS 1), according to the classification of territorial units for statistical purposes. The main trends in their development are outlined. The authors believe that foreign direct investment is closely linked to the cost of innovation. Of particular importance is the view that the intensity of R&D expenditure by statistical regions and districts almost coincides with foreign direct investment. The results of the analysis confirm the strong disproportion in recent years in the distribution of direct investment and R&D expenditures, which leads to the formation of a highly developed center - Sofia district (capital) and weak periphery - all other districts.