Digitalization in Education: New Innovation Center in the city of Burgas

Digitalization is transforming the educational process, and a new center for innovation, science, and training is emerging in the Black Sea city. This was stated by Professor Dr. Sevdalina Turmanova, Chair of the Standing Committee on Science, Innovation and Operational Programs in the Municipal Council of the city. She participated in a conference organized today in the seaside city by the Diplomatic Institute of the Minister of Foreign Affairs. The forum was dedicated to the topic "How Bulgaria's membership in the OECD works for the success of young people: innovation in education and youth entrepreneurship".

Higher education is undergoing a revolution, driven by digitalization, which is already a fact. Electronic student files, distance learning forms, and digital access to resources are changing the way knowledge is acquired. "Our goal is not only to use artificial intelligence, but also to develop it in young people, to serve them as a tool for training and research," emphasized Prof. Turmanova.

According to her, the city is becoming a leading educational, scientific and digital center. Proof of this is the increase of 650 students in the current academic year compared to the previous one. This, according to the chairman of the committee, is a direct result of the consistent policies of the local government and universities, aimed at attracting young people.

Prof. Turmanova presented some of the projects on which the local state university is working. Among them are the Center for Excellence in Informatics and Technologies in the Electronic Society, the virtual reality laboratory, the Competence Center for Mechatronics and Clean Technologies, as well as the Blue Crystal initiative, aimed at the sustainable development of coastal ecosystems.

"Through these projects, we create real opportunities for training, innovation and entrepreneurship. Our mission is to prepare young people not just to use technologies, but to create them," noted Prof. Sevdalina Turmanova.

She added that the Municipal Council of the city, through the Standing Committee on Science, Innovation and Operational Programs, continues to develop policies to support young scientists and doctoral students, as well as to encourage initiatives such as "Successful students".

In conclusion, Prof. Turmanova emphasized that the city is a model for an intelligent and visionary city that unites education, business and local government in the name of sustainable development.