From November 25 to 27, 2024, the Eighth Edition of Gabrovo Innovation Camp was held in Gabrovo - an annual initiative that brings together people with different backgrounds to develop innovative solutions to key challenges related to the development of the region and once again established itself as a platform for innovation, collaboration and solving real challenges facing the community.This year's event placed a special emphasis on young people, ecology, artificial intelligence, technology and their role in building a sustainable and attractive future for Gabrovo.
The first day presented the main challenges and methodology for the event. Participants were introduced to the Entrepreneurial Discovery Process (EDP) – a collaborative model for identifying innovation opportunities, in which representatives from different sectors explore ideas and solutions.
This year, there were 6 challenges: "Development of an innovation valley on the territory of Gabrovo and the region with a focus on circularity economy by creating sustainable industrial partnerships for innovation”; “From traditions to AI-led innovation to empower the youth: inspiring a new generation of digitally skilled young professionals capable of innovating in traditional industries”;"Empowering Youth through AI: Innovative Digital Platforms for Engagement and Social Participation"; "Mission Climate Neutral Gabrovo 2030: Engaging Strategy and Integrated Solutions for a Sustainable Future"; "Sustainable Solutions for Cultural and Youth Initiatives in the Context of the River"; "Gabrovo 2030: Young people create the future. A city of opportunities, entertainment and inspiration."
Participants worked in their groups to define the main challenges, using the Social Innovation Model to structure the discussions. The goal was to create a shared understanding of the problem and lay the foundation for generating innovative ideas.
One of the most important challenges of this year's camp was Challenge number 6, "Gabrovo 2030: Young people create the future. A city of opportunities, entertainment and inspiration", set by the Municipality of Gabrovo, represented by the Mayor, Ms. Tanya Hristova.The main task of the working group was to develop specific ideas and strategies that would transform Gabrovo into a city where young people not only want to stay, but can also develop their professional and personal ambitions.
The group engaged in this challenge consisted of participants with diverse backgrounds, experiences and ages. Among them were representatives of the Gabrovo Youth Center, Gabrovo Youth Parliament, Gabrovo Municipality, Gabrovo Regional Administration,Sofia Student Council, as well as specialists from the Museum "House of Humor and Satire", Technical University of Gabrovo, experts from the National Association of Municipalities of the Republic of Bulgaria and others.This diverse and multidisciplinary group, led by social anthropologist Haralan Alexandrov, united around the common mission of transforming Gabrovo into a "city of the young."
The team went through different stages of work, starting with defining the challenge, followed by discussions about the main reasons for the existence of this problem, where the cause-effect relationships originate. The working group began with an analysis of the causes, why young people often leave their hometowns, seeking opportunities in larger cities or abroad. Key factors included the lack of diverse career opportunities, the scarcity of attractive social and cultural activities, and the perception of limited prospects for professional and personal development.Participants discussed the need to create better connections between educational institutions and business. The Technical University of Gabrovo was highlighted as a key resource for the development of young professionals, but the need for better internship programs and attracting innovative companies to the region was noted.
The second day began with a brainstorming session on what young people need to stay in the city or move to Gabrovo.The work involved developing an initial prototype of the “Idea Forge”, which was presented to the other groups, using creative methods and digital tools. The rest of the day was spent further developing and detailing the prototype.
On the last day, the group tried to formulate specific steps and identify key partners to implement the prototype itself. The final challenge for the group was a presentation of the developed solution. The participants had different professional and life experiences, and this diversity proved to be key to generating ideas.
The basic idea around which the members of the working group united was to transform the Gabrovo Youth Center into a place for cultural and youth activities, which would serve as a platform for the exchange of ideas and creativity and which would combine creative spaces, training and career guidance.The aim is to build a network of experts in various fields to strengthen the synergy between institutions, non-governmental organizations and young people in order to lead to real and sustainable solutions.
Young people need attractive opportunities for their free time. The implementation of gaming tournaments and a festival such as Aniventure Comic Con - the largest Bulgarian festival for anime, manga, Asian culture, Western cinema and television, gaming and comics, on the territory of Gabrovo were proposed. Another idea was the creation of a karting track in the vicinity of the city.
Representatives of youth organizations emphasized the need for more opportunities for young people to participate in city governance and implement their own ideas. Volunteering and social entrepreneurship programs were mentioned as possible solutions.
The group facilitator, Haralan Alexandrov, played a key role in bringing the participants together and encouraging constructive dialogue. He emphasized the importance of cooperation between different institutions and organizations, as well as the active involvement of young people in decision-making.
The eighth edition of Gabrovo Innovation Camp once again showed that Gabrovo is a city that believes in innovation and in people. The ideas generated within challenge number 6 not only outlined the path to a better future for young people, but also inspired all participants to work together for change.Now is the time to turn these ideas into reality, showing young people that Gabrovo can be a home where they can live, work and dream.
