The competition is the trigger force of any market economies. Under modern contemporary conditions, competition is determinative for the business development, while competitiveness is the most important condition for overall business prosperity. The area of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), having extraordinary potential for flexible adaptation to the economic circumstances in the country and changing market conjuncture -is of major significance for the national economic development. The accession of Bulgaria to the EU provides great opportunities for SMEs support and development. On the basis of the above -mentioned, we can conclude that the purpose of this article is to define and analyze the key factors for enhancing SME competitiveness and to outline the direction of their sustainable development in the new economic reality.

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Issues relating to technical and technological procurement of the firms in Bulgaria, which determines their positions in the local, regional and global market are particularly topical. The article examines the transfer of technology as a factor for improving the firms’ competitiveness and explores the opportunities for building competitive advantages through it. The practice of most developed countries proves conclusively that over the last few years the factor determining the macro- and micro-level competitiveness is, in fact, the advancement in technology. Identified in the paper are the main priorities for the individual firms operating at the abovementioned levels of economic development.

The publication examines the importance of technology transfer for enhancing the competitiveness of industrial enterprises in Bulgaria. The nature, characteristics and main forms of technology transfer are analyzed. On this basis, summaries of the current state of technological transfer in Bulgarian industrial enterprises are made.

Every fast-growing economy is identified by its innovative businesses and everexpanding markets. A vital prerequisite for the development of innovation and creation of a higher value-added economy is the provision and encouragement of independent economic activity. Enhancing entrepreneurial mindsets, skills and attitudes of young people is associated with innovation and risk-taking and is forms an integral part of a country's ability to prosper in a rapidly changing and highly competitive market. In light of this, the purpose of the present paper is to explore and analyze the opportunities for implementing innovative ideas among young entrepreneurs. The results of the research study will help identify the main problems and significant challenges young entrepreneurs are likely to encounter.