(Article, Collection Entitled Bulgaria’s Integration in the European Innovation and Education Practices, Dimant, Burgas, 2009)

The article presents public-private partnership in a new light – as a priority of economic development and a hub of EU competitive initiatives. The various models of cooperation between the state and the private sector favor innovations in projects on the construction of transport infrastructure, industrial zones, hi-tech centers, photovoltaic systems etc.

The example of good practice – the model of public-private partnership (PPP) in the town of Gussing, Austria – evidences how the joint efforts of the municipality, businesses, and science can lead to success in providing power generated by renewable energy sources, while achieving a number of direct and indirect benefits – high economic efficiency, sustainable development, and revival in all related sectors.