Abstract:

This paper focuses on the strategic understanding of planning innovation policy of the universities as a driver for transition to 4th generation higher education institution. The analysis of the sustainable policy-making and the strategic investment planning for strengthening the innovative potential of the academic staff and establishing and developing of research infrastructures of the University of Ruse (Bulgaria) during the last 10 years is presented. On this ground, a roadmap for the planning and implementation of the transformation of the university ecosystem in the digital era has been developed, as well as key issues are also discussed in terms of the university's role in the intelligent, free, market-oriented, sustainable, and resource-responsible development of the region. The main research methods used are analysis of strategic documents of the university, analysis of literature sources, comparative analysis of qualitative data from secondary sources of information, and case study research, based on the practice of the University of Ruse "Angel Kanchev".

Keywords:

Innovation, digitalization, strategic planning, fourth-generation university.