
Julija Bulgakova is a Junior Research Fellow and PhD student at Estonian Business School whose work focuses on sustainability, circular economy, resource efficiency and social inclusion.
With more than 18 years of professional experience in European sustainability and energy efficiency initiatives, she combines academic research with extensive practical expertise gained through international projects, public sector leadership and entrepreneurship.
Alongside her research, Julija manages EU-funded projects and contributes to the development of sustainable business practices through mentoring, consulting and knowledge transfer. As the founder of Tallinn's first zero-waste concept store and a recognised social enterprise, she brings practical insight into responsible entrepreneurship, conscious consumption and environmental innovation.
Main competences
- Circular economy
- Sustainability and sustainable development
- Resource efficiency
- Energy efficiency
- Environmental policy and legislation
- EU-funded project management
- Sustainable entrepreneurship
- Green public procurement
- Business development
- Research and data analysis
Ongoing and recent projects
Current:
- From regional relevance to transnational value: how regional food systems can boost resilience and self-sufficiency in Nordic and Baltic countries (01.02.2026−31.01.2029) Financier: Estonian Research Council, European Commission.
- Creating Opportunities For Resilience, Entrepreneurship, Sustainability and Training in European Forestry (01.01.2026−31.12.2028); Financier: European Commission (Erasmus+)
- Next Generation Workforce – Empowering Young People for Improved Employment (ReOPen) Duration 01.09.2025 - 31.05.2028. Financier: European Comission (CBP)
- PhD research: CIRCULAR ECONOMY BUSINESS MODEL FOR RESTORATION IN POSTWAR COUNTRIES
Selected previous international projects:
- BUY SMART+ Green Procurement in Europe
- European Sustainable Energy Award for Prisons (E-SEAP)
- COMEON LABELS
- Energy Saving Outdoor Lighting (ESOLI)
- SELINA – Standby and Off-Mode Energy Losses in New Appliances
- Commercial Finance for Sustainable Energy Projects (CF-SEP)