Irena Mladenova

Irena Mladenova is a Bulgarian economist, professor and politician, acting Minister of Innovation and Growth of Bulgaria since 2026. She previously served as acting Deputy Minister of Economy in 2013, 2014 and 2021.

Education Mladenova obtained a master's degree in strategic management from Sofia University, where she also obtained a PhD in business administration with the thesis Organizational capacity for change, adaptability and organizational performance, and a master's degree in banking and entrepreneurship through a program at the University of Udine.

Career She has developed a career in the private sector at national and international companies such as Kearney and PwC, being consultor and working in the fields of finance sector, european integration and entrepreneurship, and in academic research on business development, entrepreneurship, management, and marketing and holds management positions at the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration of the Sofia University, where she is also a professor.