University of National and World Economy - Bulgaria
AUTHOR PROFILE
SCOPUS
EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS
Ivan Bozhikin’s educational foundation was rigorously established with a blend of theoretical and practical knowledge across several academic disciplines. His journey began at the “Paisiy Hilendarski” Plovdiv University in Bulgaria, where he pursued a Bachelor of Science in Macroeconomics, delving into core economic principles, statistics, risk analysis, and finance. Simultaneously, he expanded his academic repertoire by earning another Bachelor's degree in Management, further honing his analytical and management skills. Bozhikin's thirst for knowledge and specialization in economics led him to the University of National and World Economy (Bulgaria), where he obtained a Master of Science in Macroeconomics, followed by a Master of Science in European Business and Finance from Nottingham Trent University in the United Kingdom. These programs equipped him with a deep understanding of economic policy, sustainable development, financial risk management, and the intricacies of the global and European business environments.
PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS
Transitioning from academia to the professional world, Bozhikin's career trajectory reflects a profound commitment to economic research and education. Beginning with internships at Raiffeisenbank (Bulgaria) and the Bulgarian National Bank, he gained valuable insights into SME lending and international relations, respectively. His professional journey took a significant leap forward as he joined the University of National and World Economy (UNWE) as an Assistant Professor and later as a Chief Assistant Professor in the Economics Department. Parallel to his commitment at UNWE, Bozhikin's role as a Research Fellow at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) in Belgium underscored his dedication to advancing social entrepreneurship and economic policy research.
Bozhikin’s research is characterized by a diverse array of interests within the economic field, notably in environmental fiscal policy, sustainable development, and the economics of welfare. His Ph.D. thesis on "Environmental fiscal policy for sustainable development: A comparative analysis" under the supervision of Prof. Nikolay Dentchev, was a seminal work that laid the groundwork for his future research endeavors. His contributions extend to social entrepreneurship ecosystems, agroforestry systems, and the role of economic policy in addressing environmental and social challenges. Through his publications in esteemed journals and his involvement in various research projects, Bozhikin has established himself as a thought leader in these critical areas.
IMPACT AND INFLUENCE
The impact of Bozhikin’s work is evident through his publications in high-impact journals and contributions to the academic and local communities. His research on economic policies, environmental sustainability, and social entrepreneurship has provided valuable insights and frameworks for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners alike. By bridging theoretical concepts with practical applications, Bozhikin has influenced the discourse in economic policy and sustainable development, particularly in the context of Bulgaria and beyond.
ACADEMIC CITES
Bozhikin’s academic influence is further highlighted by citations of his work, reflecting his contributions to the broader academic community and the impact of his research on subsequent studies. His exploration of topics such as environmental fiscal policies, agroforestry, and social entrepreneurship ecosystems has enriched the academic literature and provided a foundation for future research in these areas.
LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS
Ivan Bozhikin’s legacy in the academic community is marked by his commitment to excellence in research, teaching, and mentorship. His multidisciplinary approach to economic research and dedication to addressing contemporary challenges through sustainable and innovative solutions set a benchmark for aspiring economists. As he continues his professional journey, Bozhikin’s ongoing and future contributions are poised to further advance the understanding of economic policies and practices that support sustainable development and social well-being, thereby cementing his status as a pivotal figure in the field of economics.
NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS
SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP ECOSYSTEMS IN THE SCIENTIFIC LITERATURE 2023
Feeding a growing population without deforestation: agroforestry system 2021(5)
The role of government and key non-state actors in social entrepreneurship 2019(76)