-- ABOUT
A Global Stage for Competitiveness Leadership
The Global Innovation Summit is the GFCC's flagship annual event — a gathering that connects government, business, academia, and private sector from across all continents.
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In 2026, the Summit is hosted by the GBS (Glavbolgarstroy) in Bulgaria, with the support of the Advisory Council on Competitiveness of Bulgaria as co-organizer.
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The program includes keynote speakers, plenary sessions, innovation spotlights, a Gala Dinner, and Global Competitiveness Awards to recognize transformational leadership in transformational innovation and competitiveness strategies.
Attendance is by invitation only. The summit brings together senior leaders from government, industry, and academia — including GFCC members, fellows, and invited guests — for candid dialogue on the forces shaping global economic competitiveness.
-- ORGANIZERS
Hosted by
The global network connecting competitiveness and innovation-focused organizations across 35+ countries. The GIS is GFCC's flagship annual event.
GBS (Glavbolgarstroy) is the largest construction group in Bulgaria and one of the biggest in South-eastern Europe. GBS specializes in infrastructure, residential, commercial and industrial construction projects. GBS is a member of the GFCC.
Partners and Co-organizers
Advisory Council on Competitiveness of Bulgaria
Contributing national competitiveness expertise and connecting the Summit to Bulgaria's innovation policy agenda.
Delphi Economic Forum
Providing expertise in organizing high-level summits in the SEE region. The DEF will bring regional leaders adding great value for the overall success of the Summit.
American Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria
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AmCham Bulgaria joins us as a partner, supporting the event by engaging their community and amplifying our message across their network.
-- THEMES
Energy, Infrastructure, and Digital Innovation
Six interconnected themes frame the October 20 conference program — each one tied to the forces driving (or constraining) economic transformation in Europe and beyond.
Energy Security & Independence
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Diversification strategies, the Vertical Gas Corridor, and the transition to domestic renewable capacity.
Future Energy Grids
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Aging infrastructure upgrades, cross-border interconnectors, grid digitalization, smart and distributed micro-grids.
Infrastructure as Competitive Advantage
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Public-private partnerships, EU fund absorption, and the investment climate for large-scale infrastructure.
AI & Digital Innovation
Economic opportunities in the digital and AI era, the future of work, and governing the digital age.
Nuclear & Next-Gen Energy
Small Modular Reactor (SMR) deployment, the Nuclear Alliance, and building a clean baseload strategy for Europe.
Competitiveness Frontiers
Building innovation ecosystems, EU convergence & integration, and translating strategy into measurable economic impact.
-- PROGRAM
Four Days in Sofia and Plovdiv
From private strategy sessions to a landmark Gala Dinner and immersive site visits, the GIS 2026 is designed for in-depth discussions and impactful connections.
DAY 1
Monday, October 19
GFCC Annual Meeting
GFCC members & fellows only
-- Morning plenary (~60 guests, U-shape)
-- Afternoon breakout sessions
-- Welcome Reception at the National Museum of Archaeology
DAY 3
Wednesday, October 21
Site Visits - Sofia
GFCC members & fellows only
-- Visits to innovation sites & industry leaders
-- Groups of 25–40 per site
-- Transportation provided
DAY 3
Wednesday, October 21
Site Visits - Plovdiv
GFCC members & fellows only
-- Cultural & industrial exploration
-- Visits to Plovdiv's innovation ecosystem
-- Groups of 25–40 per site
- Transportation provided