"To me, Sofia Tech Park is not only buildings. It is a symbol of innovation, new energy. We should openly speak and be ready for the challenges of the contemporary world".

"The most important thing for us as politicians is to encourage young people, to make our societies stronger. To keep thinking how our countries should develop, to make a transition from the Iron Age to the age of technology... Sofia [the name of Bulgaria's capital] means "Wisdom". We should be wiser."

Slovakian President Andrej Kiska offering his vision of challenges Europe is facing in a world where it is increasingly competing with the US, India, and China in the field of technology.

He made his comments during the inauguration ceremony of Sofia Tech Park, a state-owned Bulgarian project seeking to strengthen the links between academia and businesses.