PhD studies

• Regulations for acquiring scientific degrees and holding academic positions in BAS
• Higher Education Act
• Regulations for the terms for acquiring scientific degrees and for holding academic positions in the Economic Research Institute at BAS
• Act on Development of the Academic Staff in the Republic of Bulgaria
• Regulations for application of Act on Development of the Academic Staff in the Republic of Bulgaria
• Rregulations for the activity of the Center of Education and the Academic Council at BAS

Foreigners can apply at any time of the year with a dissertation project on a topic of the applicant's choice. For them there is mostly an individual Ph.D. study (with a 3-year training period), with an obligatory requirement of Master's degree. The individual Ph.D. study provides a freer training regime that does not require presence of the Ph.D. student in the Institute.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

The three forms of Ph.D. study (full-time, part-time and individual) in Economic Research Institute at BAS include 3 modules. Each module bears the corresponding credits, according to the current credit system for Ph.D. studies in the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. They are obligatory for all Ph.D. students trained in the system and institutes of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences.

Educational module 1 – Individual specialized education

It includes individual preparation and taking exam on three subjects:

• Microeconomics
• Macroeconomics
• Specialty exam

Educational module 2 – General specialized education

It includes two elective specialized Ph.D. lecture courses, which are held in the respective areas at the Center for Education at BAS. Economic Research Institute offers 2 specialized courses in the “Man and Society” Direction:

• Econometrics
• Methodology of scientific studies

Ph.D. students can also choose other specialized courses from the program at the Center for Education at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences or other universities, as long as they meet the regulatory requirements of the Center for Education at BAS to cover the credits under the educational program.

Educational module 3 – General academic education

It includes two courses and an exam on:

• Information technologies
• Foreign language

TRAINING Ph.D. STUDENTS

The Ph.D. studies have an organized education process for expanding and deepening the special, methodological and language qualification of the Ph.D. students, needed for preparing dissertations at the relevant scientific level. The education process is carried out on confirmed program, which is combined to a maximum extent with the individual work.

The Ph.D. training is carried out on individual educational plan, which determines:

• courses and seminars on the education program, which is equal for all Ph.D. students from the same specialty.
• topic of the dissertation, terms for taking the exams, visiting certain cycle of lectures, participation in courses, seminars, conferences, stages and terms for preparation of the dissertation work, preparation of publications and other activities in accordance with the regulations.

The individual educational plan is prepared by the Ph.D. student and the scientific advisor, it is discussed in the relevant department and is approved by the Scientific Council at enrollment of the Ph.D. student together with the topic of the dissertation.

The scientific advisor consults the whole preparation of the Ph.D. student, the preparation of the dissertation work, monitors regularly the work of the Ph.D. student and his/her preparation of necessary publication concerning the work.

For the Ph.D. students the Institute provides opportunities to participate in different research projects for enriching their current training and qualification; in “Erasmus” programs if there are education contracts.

The quality of the Ph.D. training in the Institute can be judged by the realization of those who have defended their dissertation and have received the educational and scientific degree "Doctor". Ph.D. students who have defended dissertation thesis have successfully realized in the field of science, education and business practice in Bulgaria and abroad.

Ph.D. training in the Institute of Economics at BAS is an important part of its activity and aims at preparation of highly qualified staff for scientific work and economics practice. The applied education forms correspond to the best practices of leading universities in the world.

The quality of Ph.D. training in the Institute of Economics is revealed through the realization of those students, who have defended their dissertation works and have received education and scientific degree “Doctor”.

For the period 2013-2021, 21 Ph.D. students have successfully defended their dissertation theses, including 1 Ph.D. student from Greece.

The Ph.D. students in the Economic Research Institute at BAS, who have defended dissertation works are successfully realized in the science and education in Bulgaria and abroad. For example:

Dr. Desislava Hristova Dimitrova – Head of Department “Living Conditions Statistics” at the National Statistical Institute.

Dr. Katya Lyubomirova Peycheva – Chief Assistant Professor in Department “Security and Defense Management” at the Military Academy “G.S. Rakovski”.

Dr. Stanimir Andonov Andonov – Assoc. Professor of Marketing at the Higher School of Management, Marketing and Branding, consultant with extensive experience. He has been a keynote speaker at many forums in the recent years. Dr. Andonov was the owner and manager of MarketingPro Engineering – a company specializing in the creation of software and content for mobile devices. He is a member of the American Marketing Association. He is the author of the e-book “Levels of Product Differentiation in the Global Market”, sold by amazon.com, and the book “Marketing Positioning – Theory, Practice and Research” - the best-selling business book by a Bulgarian author in 2015. He has worked as a lecturer in Marketing and program director at the New Bulgarian University. He has been a full-time lecturer at the Higher School of Insurance and Finance, a part-time lecturer at the University of National and World Economy, and a lecturer at M3 Communications College. Currently, Dr. Andonov is also the manager of Neuromarketing Bulgaria  - an agency for neuromarketing research.

Dr. Irena Neykova Stefanova – Chief Expert in “Risk Assessment” Directorate, Head Office of DSK Bank.

Dr. Atanas Georgiev Atanasov – President of NSI, Assoc. Professor at UNWE, “Applied Informatics and Statistics” Faculty, Department “Statistics and Econometrics”.

Dr. Vasiliki Basdekidou from the Republic of Greece – economist, administrative director in the Research Committee of Aristotle University in Thessaloniki.

Dr. Tsanko Iliev Stefanov – Assoc. Professor at Veliko Tarnovo University “St. St. Cyril and Methodius”, Department “Economic Theory and International Economic Relations”.

Dr. Ivan Rumenov Byanov – Assoc. Professor at Veliko Tarnovo University “St. St. Cyril and Methodius”, Department “Economic Theory and International Economic Relations”.

Dr. Nevena Petrova Byanova – Chief assistant Professor at Veliko Tarnovo University “St. St. Cyril and Methodius”, Department “Economic Theory and International Economic Relations”.

Dr. Nedyalko Mariev Nestorov – Assoc. Professor at Economic Research Institute at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Department “Economics of the Firm”.

Dr. Alexander Georgiev Apostolov – Institutional Portfolio Manager at Raiffeisenbank, Assistant Professor in Economic Research Institute at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Department "Macroeconomics".

Dr. Iana Vitanova Paliova – Chief Assistant Professor at Economic Research Institute at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Department “International Economics”. In the period from 2017 to September 2020 she was an economic consultant at the IMF – “Macroeconomic and Fiscal Analysis”; technical assistance for public finances of the member states; participation in the missions and annual reports under Art. IV of the IMF Statute.

Dr. Ivan Hristov Ilkov – Director of Directorate “Financial Planning, Accounting and Payments” in the Executive Agency Operational Program “Science and Education for Smart Growth”.

Dr. Svetlana Grigorova Dyankova - Chief Expert Associate in the Committee on Electronic Government and Information Technologies in the 47th National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria.

During the same period, in the Institute the scientific degree “Doctor of Economic Sciences” was acquired by Prof. D.Econ.Sc. Nikolay Ganchev Mihailov – Chairman of the Supervisory Board of “Trace Group Hold” AD and Chairman of the Public Council of “Trace for People” Foundation. In three consecutive terms (from 2012 to July 2020) Prof. Mihailov is Head of Department “Roads and Transport Facilities” at the Faculty of Transport Engineering at the University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy – Sofia; Chairman of the Bulgarian Forum for Transport Infrastructure; member of the Board of the Chamber of Builders in Bulgaria; Co-chairman of the Committee on “Investment Projects and Infrastructure” at the Confederation of Employers and Industrialists in Bulgaria. Chairman of the Board of Directors of “Trace for People Foundation; member of the Board of Trustees of “Burov” Foundation; member of the Board of Trustees of NATFA “Krastyo Sarafov”, of the Trakia University – Stara Zagora. He is the winner of “Burov” Prize for Industrial Management in 2010, he is awarded the prize “Engineer of 2012” of the Association of Road Engineers and Consultants. In 2015, Prof. Mihailov is awarded the Russian Order of Prometheus for outstanding contribution to science and education. Prof. Mihailov is awarded the honorary title “Doctor Honoris Causa” for long-term cooperation and significant contribution to the improvement of the infrastructure of Trakia University – Stara Zagora.

For the period 2008-2012, 26 Ph.D. students have successfully defended their dissertations.

The Ph.D. students, who have defended their dissertations, are successfully realized in the field of science and education, in the public, banking and private sectors. For example, Galya Taseva is Chief Assistant Professor at UNWE and at ERI at BAS, Department "Economics of the Firm". Nelly Popova is Chief Assistant Professors at UNWE. Julia Stefanova is Chief Assistant Professor at ERI at BAS, as well as Jivka Kalaydzhieva, who also holds the position of “auditor” at the Bulgarian National Audit Office. Dochka Velkova, Yana Kirilova and Milkana Mochurova-Georgieva are Chief Assistant Professors ERI at BAS, Irena Zareva holds the academic position “Professor” ERI at BAS. Verzhiniya Zhelyazkova – Prof. Dr.Sc.(Econ), 2 terms Deputy Rector of VUZF, Director of research unit “Finance and Financial Management”, Miroslav Nedelchev is director of Companies and Property Directorate at Ministry of Health. Nedelin Markov and Krassimira Gocheva are Chief Assistant Professors at the Faculty of Economics at Trakia University. Diana Sabotinova holds the academic position “Assoc. Professor” at Burgas Free University, Maria Ivanova – Assistant Professor at NBU, Nadezhda Ivanova – Chief Expert at Ministry of Economy and Industry, Ivan Todorov – Assoc. Professor at SWU – Blagoevgrad. Alexander Apostolov Apostolov – Control of projects in the PHARE Executive Agency – Agriculture Program at the Ministry of Agriculture, director of Projecta and TenStep Bulgaria.

For the period 2000-2008, 22 Ph.D. students have successfully defended their dissertation theses, 4 of whom are foreigners.

The Ph.D. students who have defended dissertation works are successfully realized in the science and education in Bulgaria and abroad. For example, from the Bulgarian with defended dissertations, in scientific institutions abroad work the following people: Lilyana Mateeva (defended 2004) is researcher in the Institute for contemporary studies in Vienna, Austria, Victor Yotsov (defended in 2001) after working in the International Monetary Fund in USA is Assoc. Professor at UNWE and ERI at BAS, Department "Macroeconomics". Rossitsa Rouseva (defended 2004) continues her scientific career in the Center for research, scientific, technological and innovation policy in the Sussex University, UK, Dessislava Kolarova (defend 2005) works in the administration of the European Commission in Brussels.

The Ph.D. students from abroad are also successfully realized – they teach in universities in Seres, Greece and Aden University, Yemen.

DEFENDED PhD THESES

2021

• Svetlana Grigorova Dyankova (part-time Ph.D. study) with thesis “Financial and Economic Assessment of Public Investments on the Results of Enterprises (following the example of the Working Conditions Fund)”
  

2017

• Nevena Petrova Byanova (part-time Ph.D. study) with thesis “Liberalization of the energy market in the EU and the adaptation of Bulgaria”.
• Yana Vitanova Palyova (individual Ph.D. study) with thesis “Fiscal incentives and effects from the European Structural Funds in Central and Eastern Europe”.

2016

• Nedyalko Mariev Nestorov (full-time Ph.D. study) – thesis “Assessing the Impact of Foreign Trade on Bulgaria's GDP through Conintegration Approach”.
• Tsanko Iliev Stefanov (part-time Ph.D. study) – thesis “Market Strategy and Building the Company’s Competitiveness in Veliko Tarnovo”.
• Alexander Georgiev Apostolov (individual Ph.D. study) – thesis “Designing the Return on the Financial Assets”.
• Tsvetelina Georgieva Nedyalkova-Shtereva (individual Ph.D. study) – thesis “Building a Promotional Policy in the Banking Sector”.
• Ivan Rumenov Byanov (part-time Ph.D. study) – thesis “Rationalization of the Structure of Agricultural Holdings in Bulgaria”.
• Prof. Dr. Eng. Nikolay Ganchev Mihailov – defense of Scientific Degree “Doctor of Economic Sciences” – thesis “Corporate Governance as a Driving Force for Improving the Performance of the Enterprise”.

2015

• Grigor Dimitrov Stoevski (part-time Ph.D. study) – thesis “Innovation, Foreign Direct Investments and Exports as Factors for Economic Growth of the New EU Member States”.
• Atanas Georgiev Atanasov (full-time Ph.D. study) – thesis “Econometric Approaches for Seasonal Smoothing of Dynamic Statistical Rows”.
• Radostin Vladimirov Chugreev (part-time Ph.D. study) – thesis “Marketing Communications of Industrial Companies on the Example of the Information Technology Market”.
• Irena Neykova Stefanova (part-time Ph.D. study) – thesis “Risk (Reliability) Assessment and Analysis of Bank Loans”.
• Vasiliki Athanasios Basdekidou – Greek citizen (individual Ph.D. study) – thesis “Functionality, Return and Efficiency Before and After the Debt Crisis: An Empirical Study of the Greek Stock Market”.
• Anelia Lyubenova Peneva (individual Ph.D. study) – thesis “Liquidity and Profitability of The Agricultural Holdings (on the Example of Russe and Targovishte)”

2014

• Rumyana Stefanova Graozeva – thesis “Local Government and Regional Development Projects”.
• Ivan Hristov Ilkov – thesis “Accession of Bulgaria to the Eurozone: Options for Macroeconomic Policy”.
• Ivo Assenov Trayanov – thesis “International Arms Trade and the Participation of Bulgaria”.

2013

• Desislava Hristova Dimitrova – thesis “Assessment of the Impact of the Educational Level on the Poverty in Bulgaria”.
• Stanimir Andonov Andonov – thesis “Positioning of the Insurance Companies in Bulgaria”.
• Katya Lyubomirova Peycheva – thesis “Development of the Public Service “Defense” in Bulgaria”.

2012

• Ivan Krumov Todorov – “Finance, Money Circulation, Credit and Insurance” with thesis “Macro-Financial Specifics of Bulgaria’s Integration into the EU”.
• Nadezhda Nikolaeva Ivanova – “Economics and Management” with thesis “Formation of a Policy to Increase the Competitiveness of Bulgarian Enterprises”.
• Julia Stoyancheva Stefanova – “World Economy and International Economic Relations” with thesis “Integration of EU Capital Markets and Possible Consequences for the Bulgarian Financial System”.
• Maria Alexandrova Ivanova – “National Economy (including Regional Economy and History of the National Economy)” with thesis “Higher Education in Bulgaria and the European Educational Space-Institutional and Financial Aspects”.
• Diana Sabotinova Mladenova – “National Economy (including Regional Economy and History of the National Economy)” with thesis “Macroeconomic Consequences of Population Aging”.
• Krassimira Gocheva Toneva – “National Economy (including Regional Economy and History of the National Economy)” with thesis “Human Resources in the Rural Areas of Stara Zagora: State, Problems, Prospects”.
• Galya Yordanova Taseva – “Finance, Money Circulation, Credit and Insurance” with thesis “Intercompany Indebtedness: Status and Search for Solutions”.
• Nedelin Kostadinov Markov – “National Economy (including Regional Economy and History of the National Economy)” with thesis “Decentralization of Public Resources (on the Example of the Municipalities of Stara Zagora)”.

2011

• Nelly Kostantinova Popova – “World Economy and International Economic Relations” with thesis “Tax Policy in the Conditions of Membership in the Economic Monetary Union of the EU – Challenges and Opportunities for Bulgaria”.
• Mladen Atanasov Hainboazki – “National Economy (including Regional economy and history of the national economy)” with thesis “Rural Economy – Trends, Problems, Prospects (on the Example of Stara Zagora)”.

2010

• Vladimir Luchezarov Milanov – “Finances, Accounting and Control” with thesis “Bank Competition – State and Perspectives in Bulgaria”. Scientific tutor Dr. Ivanka Kraininska.
• Verjinia Ivanova Jeliazkova – “Economic Theories and International Economic Relations” with thesis “Economic Effects of the Dymanics of the Price of Raw Oil in the International Trade”. Scientific tutor Dr.Econ.Sc. Rossitsa Rangelova.
• Alexander Apostolov Apostolov – “National Economy” with thesis “Developing Projects for Sustainable Development”. Scientific tutor Dr.Econ.Sc. Nikola Vulchev.
• Miroslav Kolev Nedelchev – “Economic Theories and International Economic Relations” with thesis “Corporate Governance of Financial Conglomerates: EU Practices and Implementation in Bulgaria”. Scientific tutor Dr. Tatiana Houbenova.
• Jivka Zdravkova Kalaidgieva – “Economic Theories and International Economic Relations” with thesis “Institutional Aspects and Problems of the Current Adaptation of the Economic and Currency Union of the European Union”.

2009

• Valentina Genova Makni – “Economic Theories and International Economic Relations” with thesis “International Intellectual Migration: Effects and Perspectives for the Sending Country”. Scientific tutor Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ivan Vladimirov Iliev (Economic University – Varna).
• Milkana Atanassova Mochurova – “National Economy” with thesis “Market Instruments for Protecting the Water Resources in Bulgaria”. Scientific tutor Dr. Nikolay Chkorev.
• Irena Kirilova Zareva – “National Economy” with thesis “Human Capital in Bulgaria: Forming, State, Use, Directions for Development”. Scientific tutor Dr. Georgi Shopov.
• Petyo Todorov Boshnakov – “World Economy and International Economic Relations” with thesis “EU regional policy: effects for Bulgaria through SAPARD program”

2008

• Nevena Stancheva – “Economic Theories and International Economic Relations” with thesis “Trade Relations between EU and Mercosur”. Scientific tutor Dr. Emil Panusheff. 
• Dochka Angelova Velkova – “National Economy” with thesis “Changes in the Public Pension System and Their Influence on the Labour Market”. Scientific tutor Dr. Georgi Shopov.

• Lalka Gerasimova Borisova – “Economics and Management” with thesis “Professional competence of the sales manager”.
• Genka Ivanova Rafailova – “Economics and Management” with thesis “Concept for sustainable development of a tourist destination (on the example of Varna)”.
• Yana Tsvetanova Kirilova – “National Economy (including Regional economy and history of the national economy)” with thesis “Municipal investments and sources for their financing”.

2007

• Emil Ivanov Dimov – “Political Economy” with thesis “Inflation and Employment in Bulgaria: 1990-2005 (Interactions – Theoretical and Empirical Analysis)”.
• Ilian Genov Mateev – “World Economy and International Economic Relations” with thesis “Economic Regionalism in East Asia – Conditions, Development and Results”.