associate professor Kiril DIMITROV, Ph.D - University of National and World Economy
As a lecturer and researcher at the University of National and World Economy my role goes far beyond simply delivering information in the field of business management. I view my duty as catalyzing transformation – at the level of individuals, institutions, and society at large. Higher education, at its best, is not static; it is responsive, inclusive, and deeply connected to the shifting realities of the world beyond campus. The ultimate aim is to nurture contributors – not just for today, but for the unpredictable tomorrows to come. I firmly believe academia is responsible for cultivating minds that are critical, creative, and ethical, preparing graduates to make a meaningful impact in a complex, interconnected global environment.
COMMITMENT TO STUDENTS: GUIDING GROWTH THROUGH INTERACTION AND INNOVATION
Students are at the core of every academic endeavor. I am committed to establishing a learning environment that is both supportive and intellectually stimulating, responsive to their evolving needs. My teaching philosophy embraces blended learning: integrating traditional lectures with experiential workshops, practical simulations, and digital resources. This approach does more than expand accessibility. It equips students with digital fluency, self-motivation, and a spirit of engaged participation – qualities essential for navigating the 21st century landscape in the severe struggles for success.
I prioritize experiential learning, encouraging students to engage directly with authentic case studies, entrepreneurial projects, and societal issues. Ongoing collaboration with employers, freelancers, and startup communities allows students to bridge theory and practice in meaningful ways. This not only narrows the gap between academia and the professional world, but also fosters adaptability, resilience, creativity, and a spirit of critical inquiry.
Maintaining active professional profiles and networks on platforms, such as Facebook and LinkedIn, enables ongoing connection with current and former students. These digital communities are intentionally designed for continuous knowledge exchange, mentorship, and the sharing of opportunities across fields such as Business Management, Organizational Culture, Project Management, Business Culture, Human Resource Management and Leadership in Sports among others. Such online spaces support lifelong learning and cultivate networks that extend beyond physical auditorium boundaries.
ENGAGEMENT WITH EMPLOYERS AND SOCIETY: CO-CREATION AND SHARED RESPONSIBILITY
Employers, in my view, are not simply the end recipients of university graduates. Rather, they are essential partners in shaping curricula and research agendas. By fostering dialogue with industry leaders and HR professionals, I help ensure that academic offerings remain relevant and forward-looking. This alignment with the labor market is vital for preparing graduates who are not only technically proficient, but also socially responsible – capable of navigating roles as both entrepreneurs and employees, and perhaps during some periods of their professional careers even simultaneously.
My commitment extends to active engagement with the local community and broader society. Through outreach, partnership, and participatory research, I work to make academic expertise accessible and visible as a force for public good. Collaboration with NGOs, social entrepreneurs, and state administration supports progress on the deliberate pursuit of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. In this way, I advocate for education and research that is not only oriented to excellence, but also equitable, sustainable, and socially impactful.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AND SCIENTIFIC INTEGRITY
As a researcher, I am guided by principles of rigor, relevance, and responsibility. My goal is to produce scholarship of the highest quality – advancing theoretical understanding, informing practice, and contributing to policy development. I am dedicated to upholding the highest standards of academic integrity and ethical conduct, ensuring transparency, reliability, and respect for the intellectual contributions of others.
My research focuses on critical societal issues such as people management, organizational leadership, strategic management, and the cultural aspects of business. I view research as a public asset – a means for insight, empowerment, and societal progress. The ethical application of new technologies and digital resources improves not only efficiency, but also the inclusivity and accessibility of scientific communication.
DIVERSITY, INCLUSION AND EUROPEAN INTEGRATION
My commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion isn’t superficial – it shapes my approach to higher education at every level. I believe that universities should be spaces where students from all backgrounds are not only welcomed, but empowered to participate fully. Within the ENGAGE.EU alliance, I am dedicated to fostering a university ecosystem that is genuinely open, collaborative, and deeply rooted in European Union values.
I prioritize intercultural education, multilingualism, and international academic collaboration as core pillars of European integration. These aren’t just abstract ideals; they directly enrich the educational experience and prepare students for meaningful roles in a global society. Europe, as I see it, is more than geographical area; it is a collective of ideas, dialogue, and shared progress. That’s why I continually advocate for inclusive excellence and transparent, participatory governance in every institution I work with.
CLOSING REFLECTION: A LIVING CREDO
This officially expressed personal credo is not static. It evolves alongside my professional challenges, discoveries, and relationships. In the auditorium, I see myself as mentor and facilitator, encouraging dialogue and critical engagement. While doing research, I strive to question assumptions, synthesize knowledge, and contribute meaningfully to academic discourse. As both academic and citizen, my aspiration is clear: higher education must be inclusive, ethical, forward-looking, and connected to the realities of our society.
Ultimately, my goal is to inspire not only academic achievement, but also civic engagement, ethical responsibility, and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. I remain committed to advancing these values, contributing to the shared mission of building knowledge, shaping futures, and working toward a more just and sustainable world.