Scientific paper ID 2066 : 2021/1

Terms used in this article are defined. The main points of reference of the European Innovation Policy are marked. The results of the innovations study in the EU countries and the unenviable place of Bulgaria in this ranking are presented. A brief historical reference for the development of the innovation policy in Republic of Bulgaria is made. Two alternative approaches to innovation are considered - conventional and interactive, from which the models of innovation policy derive. Some common problems in Bulgaria and challenges to the conventional approach are explicitly presented. Solutions have been proposed. The article introduces the idea of a National Innovation System as a network of institutions in the public and private sector, whose activities and interaction create, impose, modify and disseminate new technologies, models and products. An attempt to prove that the interactive innovation model is more adequate and efficient for Bulgaria is made.