With deep sorrow, the Management Board of the Institute of Informatics and Innovative Technologies announces that on August 12, 2025, Prof. D.Sc. Asen Ivanov Konarev – Deputy Chairman of the IIIT Publishing Council, distinguished Bulgarian scholar, university lecturer, public figure, and long-standing supporter of the Institute – has passed away.
Prof. Konarev was not only a respected colleague but also an inspiration and a supportive friend of IIIT. With his wisdom, high professionalism, and dedication, he actively contributed to the development of our research and publishing activities, helping to uphold high academic and ethical standards.
Born on August 29, 1940, in Plovdiv, Prof. Konarev devoted his entire life to science, education, and innovation in economics. He graduated in Bulgaria and specialized at prestigious universities worldwide – Lomonosov Moscow State University, Humboldt University of Berlin, and the University of Delaware, USA – gaining a broad international perspective on economic theory and practice.
In 1982, he defended his doctoral dissertation on Mathematical Models in Economics and was awarded the academic degree of Doctor of Economic Sciences. Since 1987, he had been a Professor of Economics and Management, authoring over 12 books and more than 250 scientific publications in the fields of economics, management, and entrepreneurship.
For decades, Prof. Konarev taught at the University of Food Technologies – Plovdiv, educating hundreds of students and young researchers. In 2023, he was awarded the title Doctor Honoris Causa of UFT for his exceptional contribution to the academic community. In addition to his academic career, Prof. Konarev held key management positions, served as Editor-in-Chief of the journal Finance and the specialized media Financebg.com, and made significant contributions to the development of economic and financial journalism in Bulgaria.
As Deputy Chairman of the IIIT Publishing Council, Prof. Konarev worked to improve the quality of scientific publications, promote international partnerships, and encourage young authors. He firmly believed that scientific knowledge must be accessible, precise, and of high public value.
In recognition of his contributions, Prof. Konarev received the Gold Medal “Prof. Asen Zlatarov” (2002), the Gold Badge of the Federation of Scientific and Technical Unions (2005), and the Honorary Sign of the City of Plovdiv (2007).
For us at IIIT, he was a symbol of academic integrity, intellectual breadth, and humanity. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of scholars and professionals.
May he rest in peace!
Management Board
Institute of Informatics and Innovative Technologies
