In a partnership between academia and local governance, AUBG students presented innovative ideas for Blagoevgrad’s development. The project was part of the Business course Strategic Management, where AUBGers apply everything they have learned during their four years of studying.
Under Professor Elena Radeva’s guidance, 52 students explored Blagoevgrad’s challenges and proposed solutions. “I am happy to share that we are already working on some of the ideas, which confirms the right direction we are moving in,” Deputy Mayor Boryana Shalyavska said.
“In addition, the students proposed a number of ideas that are still undeveloped and will be analyzed in detail.”
The students delved into comparative studies, examining successful development initiatives from both national and international perspectives. Drawing inspiration from innovative projects implemented elsewhere, they proposed a series of strategic partnerships aimed at catalyzing Blagoevgrad’s prosperity.
“Our typical projects are business related and this time the students were challenged to put themselves in the shoes of the Municipality,” Radeva said.
The project served as a means to hear the ideas of the students that they’ve been gathering for the four or more years that they have lived in the town. “I’ve been living in Blagoevgrad for a while and when I came here there were things that I liked and some I didn’t like so much,” said Alexandra Rousou. “For example there are some great places and some that need renovation to complement fully the student life in town. I see Blagoevgrad as a getaway to relax, not that much as a touristic place. But there are some great attractions around that we visit with my friends around the town.”
This collaboration signifies the power of education in shaping local progress. As the students receive certificates, they carry with them a sense of responsibility towards Blagoevgrad’s future. This was also Mayor Baikushev’s message to the students, to “contribute to the development of Blagoevgrad’s and their own communities.” Baykushev shared with the students that he was happy to get back to the AUBG classroom, even though not in the role he was used to – as a professor, but this time as a “client” to the students’ expertise.
