Project Acronym -T3N-BSB
In a recent Territorial Analysis (TA) conducted for the Black Sea Basin (BSB), several key challenges and needs were identified across the region. These insights reveal a critical need for joint efforts in tackling shared obstacles, particularly in the realm of research, innovation, and technology transfer.
Project Funding
T3N-BSB programme is funded by Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin
Total Budget of the program is 498 120, 00 euros from which 448 308, 00 euros are funded by the European Union.
Challenges Facing the Black Sea Basin
One of the most striking findings from the TA is the low competitiveness of the BSB region. Most companies in the area are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that operate in low value-added sectors, which limits their global competitiveness. This, combined with low levels of innovation infrastructure and investment, underscores the need for collective action to drive sustainable development.
Further exacerbating this issue is the limited research and innovation capacity within the BSB countries. The Global Competitiveness and Innovation Indexes highlight that one of the region's weakest areas is its lack of collaboration between universities and industries in research and development (R&D). This is a key element in the business sophistication pillar of innovation and a crucial tool for effective technology transfer.
Despite these challenges, the BSB area boasts rich scientific potential. However, problems such as brain drain, low R&D expenditure, and ineffective knowledge transfer into innovation hinder the full realization of this potential. The SWOT analysis conducted within the TA specifically pointed out that the ineffective transfer of knowledge is a major weakness for the region.
Strategic Plans and Solutions for the BSB
To address these challenges, the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda for the Black Sea (SRIA) has proposed several key activities to be undertaken by 2030. These include:
- Organizing networking events and meetings to build capacity and enhance knowledge transfer.
- Facilitating dialogue between researchers and businesses.
- Developing and expanding networks that link ongoing projects and research activities.
- Creating and supporting incubators and techno parks to promote SMEs, start-ups, and innovative businesses.
These initiatives aim to foster collaboration, strengthen innovation ecosystems, and promote sustainable growth across the BSB.
Progress and Gaps Identified
According to the third implementation report of the Black Sea Synergy (2015-2018), there has been important progress in some areas, while others have lagged behind. A critical area that requires immediate attention is the establishment of transnational networks for technology transfer. Although networks have been established internationally, the BSB countries have not yet created a cohesive network that includes all relevant nations.
The TA also highlights that while various technology transfer structures exist, they are not as effective as they could be. This is due to several factors, including the size and activity of existing networks, the competence of personnel, and a lack of shared motivation among institutions to collaborate.
Project Objectives: Enhancing Research, Innovation, and Technology Transfer
To address these issues, a new project has been launched with the aim of enhancing research and innovation capacities, promoting the uptake of advanced technologies, and establishing sustainable transnational network structures. The project will particularly focus on fostering innovation in key areas such as the blue economy, low carbon economy, and climate change resilience.
The framework for this project aligns with the Interreg NEXT Strategic Programming for 2021-2027, which aims to tackle the shared territorial challenges mentioned above. One of the most significant initiatives within the project is the establishment of the Transnational Technology Transfer Network for the Black Sea Basin (T3N-BSB).
Key Project Outputs and Beneficiaries
The main outputs of the project include:
- A comprehensive study report on the technology transfer ecosystem.
- Practical learning activities and training modules.
- A multidimensional analysis tool.
- An online catalog of technology cases and a model project database.
- The T3N-BSB Portal.
- A Grand Black Sea Forum to facilitate further collaboration.
These outputs will benefit a wide range of stakeholders, including higher education institutions (HEIs), research institutes (RIs), academics, entrepreneurs, industrialists, students, and staff working in technology transfer interfaces. Other relevant actors such as business support organizations, clusters, chambers of commerce, and industrial zones will also be actively involved in the project.
The Need for Transnational Cooperation
While each country in the BSB has its own mechanisms for developing research and innovation ecosystems, the challenges identified by the TA require joint efforts. The nature of research and innovation means that these problems cannot be effectively solved through isolated, national-level efforts. Instead, transnational cooperation is essential for successfully commercializing research results and creating a lasting, international impact.
By establishing a collaborative platform through the T3N-BSB and leveraging shared knowledge and resources, the Black Sea Basin can overcome its current challenges and unlock new opportunities for sustainable growth and innovation.
In conclusion, the TA serves as a vital roadmap for the Black Sea Basin, highlighting the importance of coordinated, transnational action to strengthen research and innovation capacities. Through strategic planning, knowledge sharing, and network building, the region can take significant strides toward a more competitive and innovative future.
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What We Achieved through T3N-BSB
The T3N-BSB – Transnational Technology Transfer Network for the Black Sea Basin project aims to strengthen cooperation between research institutions, businesses, entrepreneurs and technology transfer organisations in Bulgaria, Greece, Romania and Türkiye.
The main objective of the project is to support the transformation of scientific research, technological developments and innovative ideas into real products, services and economic opportunities.
T3N-BSB approaches technology transfer as a process that goes beyond the exchange of scientific knowledge. It encompasses the identification and assessment of innovations, intellectual property protection, commercialisation, investment attraction and the establishment of international partnerships.
Particular attention is given to technologies related to the blue economy, low-carbon development, circular economy and climate change adaptation.
Among the project's most important results are the development of the T3N-BSB Networking Portal, the publication of a catalogue featuring 63 technologies and innovations, the creation of a multidimensional technology assessment tool, educational materials, a database of successful projects and the organisation of the international Grand Black Sea Forum.
T3N-BSB: From Scientific Research to International Cooperation
One of the most important features of T3N-BSB is that the project goes beyond analysing the current state of innovation ecosystems.
Through the development of digital tools, common methodologies, training programmes and practical resources, the project creates opportunities for more effective interaction between research organisations and businesses.
This is particularly important for the Black Sea region, where numerous promising scientific developments exist, but their further advancement is often hindered by limited access to funding, international partners, market information and commercialisation expertise.
T3N-BSB aims to overcome these barriers and contribute to the development of a more connected regional innovation environment.
T3N-BSB Networking Portal: A Digital Network for Innovation and Technology Transfer
One of the project's most significant practical results is the T3N-BSB Networking Portal – a digital platform designed to encourage cooperation between universities, researchers, companies, entrepreneurs, investors and business support organisations.
The portal was officially launched in July 2025 and provides a shared virtual space for presenting scientific developments, technological expertise and international partnership opportunities.
Users can create individual or organisational profiles to showcase their scientific publications, projects, technological developments, intellectual property, areas of expertise and innovative products.
One of the platform's key features is the ability to identify suitable partners based on users' specific interests and needs.
Opportunities for International Cooperation
The platform includes a dedicated Opportunities section, allowing participants to publish and discover different forms of cooperation.
Its main categories include:
- Consortium Search – finding partners for the development of international projects and participation in project consortia;
- R&D Demand – presenting research and development needs and identifying suitable experts;
- Investment Requests – publishing investment needs and opportunities for developing innovative ideas;
- Networking Activities – establishing contacts, joint development activities, consultations, mentoring and international cooperation.
The portal also offers direct communication, online meetings, information on funding programmes, open calls and events, which can be followed through an integrated calendar.
The main advantage of the T3N-BSB Networking Portal is that it brings together stakeholders from different sectors and countries, facilitating the transformation of technological ideas into new partnerships and joint initiatives.
The platform's services are provided free of charge.
Explore the T3N-BSB Networking Portal:
T3N-BSB – Official Technology Transfer Portal
63 Technologies and Innovations from the Black Sea Region
One of the project's most interesting results is the Catalogue of Promising and Mature Technologies and Innovations in the Black Sea Basin, featuring 63 promising and mature technologies from the partner countries.
The catalogue includes:
- 18 technologies from Türkiye;
- 15 technologies from Bulgaria;
- 10 technologies from Greece;
- 20 technologies from Romania.
The main objective is to present innovative developments with potential for wider practical application, international cooperation, commercialisation or investment attraction.
The catalogue is not simply a list of technologies. Each innovation is presented through a structured profile containing information about its application, development stage, technological readiness and opportunities for further scaling.
Particular attention is given to solutions related to the blue economy, low-carbon technologies, circular economy and sustainable development.
Bulgarian Technologies in the International Catalogue
The joint catalogue includes 15 technologies from Bulgaria, providing them with an opportunity to gain greater international visibility.
This represents an important step towards promoting the transfer of Bulgarian technological developments, identifying international partners and creating new opportunities for their practical application.
The catalogue can serve as a useful resource for companies, investors, research organisations, universities and public institutions looking for innovative solutions and cooperation opportunities.
Explore the catalogue of 63 technologies and innovations:
Catalogue of Innovations and Technologies
Multidimensional Analysis Tool: Assessing Technological Potential
The development of the catalogue was supported by the Multidimensional Analysis Tool for Technologies and Innovations, designed to provide a multicriteria assessment of technologies and innovations.
The tool was created to establish a common and comparable methodology, enabling technological developments from different countries and sectors to be evaluated according to similar criteria.
Unlike approaches that focus primarily on a technology's technical readiness, T3N-BSB applies a broader assessment framework covering technological maturity, intellectual property, market potential, sustainability, societal impact and opportunities for international development.
From Technological Ideas to Real Market Potential
One of the tool's important components is the use of Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) – a system for determining the maturity of a technology.
Combined with the other assessment criteria, this approach makes it possible to evaluate not only how far a technology has progressed in its development, but also whether there are realistic opportunities for its practical application.
A complementary Scaling Table was also developed to support the structuring and comparison of assessment results.
This approach is particularly valuable for technology transfer organisations, investors and business representatives who need to make informed decisions about the potential of different technological developments.
Explore the assessment tools:
Multidimensional Analysis Tool – PDF
Capacity Building for Technology Transfer
Another significant result of T3N-BSB is the development and implementation of a specialised technology transfer training programme aimed at experts, researchers, entrepreneurs, business representatives and innovation support organisations.
The programme was jointly developed by the project partners and includes eight training modules covering key aspects of the entire technology transfer process.
These include intellectual property management and licensing, entrepreneurial skills, innovation management, technological cooperation, technology brokerage, marketing of research results, sustainability of technology transfer offices and access to international funding.
The main objective is to equip participants with practical knowledge that can be applied to the development of scientific innovations, technology commercialisation and stronger cooperation between universities and businesses.
Training of Trainers – Preparing Experts
In June 2025, an international Training of Trainers (ToT) programme was organised with the participation of experts from the partner organisations.
The aim was to familiarise participants with the developed training materials and methodologies, enabling them to subsequently transfer this knowledge to representatives of their national innovation ecosystems.
This approach supported the exchange of expertise among the partners and created opportunities for the training materials to continue being used after the project's completion.
Pilot Training Activities in Four Countries
Following the preparation of the trainers, four online pilot training programmes were organised in Bulgaria, Greece, Romania and Türkiye.
A total of 167 participants took part in these activities, gaining access to the eight training modules and developing their competencies in technology transfer.
At the end of the training programmes, participants' acquired knowledge was assessed, and those who achieved the required results received certificates approved by the project consortium.
The training materials remain a valuable resource for universities, researchers, innovation intermediaries and organisations seeking to strengthen their skills in innovation management and commercialisation.
Explore the training materials:
T3N-BSB – Capacity Building Training Materials
Grand Black Sea Forum: Bringing Together Science, Business and Innovation
One of the most significant international events organised within the project was the Grand Black Sea Forum, held on 10–12 December 2025 in Trabzon, Türkiye, and hosted by Karadeniz Technical University.
The forum brought together representatives of universities, research organisations, companies, entrepreneurs, investors and public institutions, with the shared objective of creating new opportunities for innovation and technological cooperation.
The three-day programme included thematic seminars, practical workshops, B2B meetings, technology presentations, project competitions and discussions on international cooperation.
The main topics included technology transfer, intellectual property protection, sustainable development, the blue economy, low-carbon technologies and European funding opportunities.
Innovative Ideas and International Partnerships
One of the forum's most interesting elements was the Project Competition, which featured approximately 60 innovative projects from different countries and technological fields.
At the same time, the Smart Innovation Ideathon provided an opportunity for participants to collaborate on developing new ideas and practical solutions.
Specialised workshops created opportunities for international project development, consortium building, university–industry cooperation and business idea evaluation.
According to official data, the forum activities attracted approximately 800 visitors, making the Grand Black Sea Forum one of the largest events organised within T3N-BSB.
For BATTI, the forum represented an important part of its international work under the project and its efforts to increase the visibility of the Bulgarian innovation ecosystem and opportunities for cross-border technological cooperation.
Explore the Grand Black Sea Forum and Its Results
BATTI's Contribution: Developing Technology Transfer in Bulgaria
As the Bulgarian partner in T3N-BSB, BATTI contributed to the development of analytical and practical resources supporting the national technology transfer ecosystem.
A particularly important part of the organisation's contribution was the preparation of a national study on technology transfer in Bulgaria, as well as a report on good practices, presenting the current situation, opportunities and challenges within the country's innovation environment.
Through these activities, BATTI supports the stronger representation of Bulgarian research and innovation organisations in an international context and contributes to building a foundation for closer cooperation between research institutions and businesses.
Study of the Technology Transfer Ecosystem of Bulgaria
One of the key outputs prepared by BATTI is the Study of the Technology Transfer Ecosystem of Bulgaria.
The document provides a detailed analysis of the state of technology transfer in the country, including the main ecosystem stakeholders, regulatory environment, existing challenges and development opportunities.
The study examines the role of universities, research institutions, technology transfer offices, public bodies and the private sector.
It also incorporates analytical tools such as PESTEL and SWOT analyses, which identify key factors influencing the development of the national innovation environment.
Particular attention is given to the need for stronger science–business cooperation, improved access to funding, entrepreneurship development and more effective commercialisation of research results.
The study represents a valuable resource for public institutions, universities, business organisations and professionals working to strengthen Bulgaria's innovation potential.
Explore the study prepared by BATTI:
Study of the Technology Transfer Ecosystem of Bulgaria – PDF
Good Practices in Technology Transfer in Bulgaria
Another important result prepared by BATTI is Good Practices of Technology Transfer Processes in Bulgaria.
The document presents concrete examples of successful approaches to supporting innovation, entrepreneurship and technology transfer in Bulgaria.
The organisations and initiatives examined include CleanTech Bulgaria, Eleven Ventures and Start It Smart, representing different models for developing innovative ideas, entrepreneurial projects and interaction between businesses and the technology ecosystem.
The study examines working methods, achieved results, challenges encountered and lessons learned, identifying practical recommendations for applying similar approaches.
These good practices were also included in the partnership's joint international analysis, allowing Bulgarian experience to be presented, compared and shared with organisations from the other participating countries.
Explore the Bulgarian good practices:
Good Practices of Technology Transfer Processes in Bulgaria – PDF
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Key Results and Resources of T3N-BSB
In addition to establishing the transnational network and organising training activities and events, the project developed a range of documents, analytical tools and practical resources that can continue to support the innovation ecosystem.
Among all project results, several stand out for their particularly high practical value to universities, researchers, entrepreneurs, companies and technology transfer organisations.
Comprehensive Study of the Technology Transfer Ecosystem in Greece, Bulgaria, Türkiye and Romania
The Comprehensive Study of the Technology Transfer Ecosystem brings together the national analyses prepared by the four partner countries.
The document provides a comparative overview of the current situation, strengths, challenges and development opportunities related to technology transfer in the Black Sea region.
It helps identify shared challenges and promising areas for cooperation and can support the development of new policies, programmes and initiatives aimed at promoting innovation.
Explore the National and Joint Studies
Joint Report on Good Practices in the Technology Transfer Ecosystem
The Joint Report on Good Practices brings together practical examples from Bulgaria, Greece, Romania and Türkiye.
It presents different models for technology transfer, entrepreneurship support, innovation management and university–business cooperation.
The document also provides guidance on adapting successful approaches to different institutional and national contexts.
Joint Report on Good Practices – PDF
Catalogue of Promising and Mature Technologies and Innovations
The catalogue featuring 63 technologies and innovations is one of the project's most visible practical results.
It presents technologies with potential for market development, international cooperation, investment and real-world application, providing a structured overview of their technological readiness and development opportunities.
The catalogue is particularly useful for organisations looking for new technological solutions or partners for their further development and implementation.
Download the Catalogue of 63 Technologies – PDF
Model Project Database: Successful Projects from the Black Sea Region
The Model Project Database brings together 66 successfully implemented projects from Bulgaria, Greece, Romania and Türkiye.
The resource presents concrete examples of initiatives in the fields of the blue economy, clean energy, low-carbon development, climate change adaptation and environmental sustainability.
The database provides information on project objectives, results, funding sources and lessons learned during implementation.
It was developed as a practical tool for knowledge exchange, identifying successful models and encouraging new international partnerships.
Explore the Model Project Database – PDF
T3N-BSB: From Scientific Knowledge to Sustainable International Partnerships
T3N-BSB demonstrates that innovation development requires not only strong scientific ideas, but also effective mechanisms for their assessment, presentation, financing and practical application.
Through the development of a digital cooperation platform, a technology catalogue, a multidimensional assessment tool, training resources and international initiatives, the project established a practical foundation for more effective technology transfer across the Black Sea region.
The national studies prepared by BATTI and the inclusion of Bulgarian technologies in the international catalogue contribute to increasing the visibility of Bulgaria's scientific and innovation potential.
Combined with the T3N-BSB Networking Portal, educational materials and other project results, these activities create opportunities for new partnerships between research organisations, entrepreneurs and businesses.
T3N-BSB leaves behind not only documents and analytical tools, but also an international network that can continue connecting people, knowledge and technologies while supporting the development of new innovative solutions.
All project results, materials and digital tools are available on the official T3N-BSB pages: