Bulgaria cannot afford to waste time in a world of accelerated digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and high-tech industries. The shortage of digital and high-tech skills is already a serious barrier to our economic growth and competitiveness, wrote the leader of GERB, Boyko Borisov, on Facebook.
According to him, the partnership between the state and the technology sector is the key to turning Bulgaria into a regional center for science, innovation, and technological transfer. Together with the chairman of BRAIT, Iliya Krastev, and in the presence of the Deputy Prime Minister in resignation, Tomislav Donchev, we signed a Memorandum for strategic partnership and continuity to accelerate the digital and innovation transformation of the country by 2030, the leader of GERB points out. For the first time, political forces and business are formulating common, concrete priorities – for digital transformation of the economy and the public sector and for building a secure, cyber-resilient digital state, Borisov points out.
He clarifies that the state is committed to integrating digital, STEM, and AI skills at all educational levels and to long-term support for key national infrastructures such as INSAIT and Sofia Tech Park. “Business will invest in the qualification of its employees and in active partnerships with universities and scientific organizations. Among the priorities are the development of the Dobroslavtsi economic zone as a national hub for high-tech and space production, the construction of artificial intelligence factories and the active participation of international partners, as well as other incentive measures for development activities,” the publication says.
The two sides are also uniting around the introduction of electronic identification and the European digital wallet, the full implementation of the European framework for data management and Directive NIS2, as well as the construction of a National Cybersecurity System in partnership with business.
With this memorandum, we are creating a framework for predictability, continuity, and coordination beyond political cycles. The modernization of Bulgaria is a long-term project – and there is no time for a restart with every change of government, Boyko Borisov emphasizes.