Zhelyu Vladimirov

Prof. Zhelyu Vladimirov is a Doctor of Economic Sciences and Professor at the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration of Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski. He specializes in Human Resource Management, Organizational Change, and Innovation Management. His career includes two terms as Deputy Dean of FEBA and one term as Vice-Rector of Sofia University. He has conducted research collaborations in France, Spain, Greece, the US, and the UK.

His research focuses on SME competitiveness, innovation strategies, and EU policy impacts. Key areas include internationalization of SMEs, institutional environment effects on entrepreneurship, and digital transformation in tourism. He has authored over 100 publications, with 9 in impact-factor journals, and managed 15+ national/international projects.

He holds honorary doctorates from the University of Neuchâtel (1999) and has been a visiting scholar at institutions like George Washington University and the University of Surrey. His work bridges academic theory with practical policy recommendations for SME development in transition economies.

• Educations: Specialized training at EHESS (France, 1987), IISL (Spain, 1996), Athens University of Economics (2002), George Washington University (2006), and University of Surrey (2013-2015)
• Grants/Projects: Principal investigator in 15+ projects focusing on SME competitiveness, innovation policy, and EU integration

Labs/Teams: Active in FEBA's research groups studying SME internationalization and EU industrial policy. Collaborates with international networks like the ESG Lab and Twin4Eco projects.