GIS 2026: Site Visits to Sofia Tech Park and Plovdiv Confirmed

The GFCC will convene the 2026 Global Innovation Summit (GIS) in Sofia, Bulgaria, from October 19-22, hosted by corporate member Glavbolgarstroy Holding AD (GBS), one of the largest construction groups in Southeastern Europe. Leaders from over 15 countries, including university presidents, CEOs, and government officials, have confirmed attendance.

Under the theme "Powering Competitiveness: Energy, Infrastructure and Digital Innovation for Economic Transformation," the Summit will examine how energy security, next-generation grids, and infrastructure investment are shaping economic transformation at the global, regional, and local  levels. The program opens with the GFCC Annual Meeting on October 19, followed by the Summit and Gala Dinner on October 20.

On October 21, delegates will have the opportunity to visit the Sofia Tech Park, Bulgaria's first science and technology park focused on information technology, life sciences, and green energy. The park currently hosts 43 businesses and 11 high-tech laboratories. In 2023, companies from its ecosystem attracted close to  €5 million in investment to develop their business ideas, projects, services, and products, with several now entering markets beyond Bulgaria. Participants will have the opportunity to visit the facilities exchange insights with local leaders of relevant tech companies.

On October 22, GFCC delegates will travel to Plovdiv. Site visits will include stops at the Trakia Economic Zone — the largest industrial project in Eastern Europe — at GBS's construction facility, and at cultural landmarks in the region.

"The Global Innovation Summit offers an exceptional inside view  of the key issues shaping competitiveness strategies and an exclusive platform for high-level networking and strategic dialogue. In Bulgaria, we will witness firsthand the country's economic transformation and learn more about the forces shaping the next decade of competitiveness," says GFCC President Deborah L. Wince-Smith.

Learn more about the 2026 Global Innovation Summit.