Minister Stoycheva: Our goal is to ensure quality digital transformation for business and society in Bulgaria

Our goal is to ensure quality digital transformation for business and society in Bulgaria. The road is long, but by implementing policies that encourage close cooperation between science and business, we are working hard to push our country towards a future of an innovative, smart, green, digital and connected country. This was stated by the Minister of Innovation and Growth, Milena Stoycheva, at the 93rd session of the Committee of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) on the policy in the field of the digital economy. Minister Stoycheva is at a hearing in connection with the presentation of the OECD Technical Report, reflecting the country's progress in the sector, as part of the accession process. The minister presented the national vision for the development of the digital economy in Bulgaria.

"Technology, human talent and the ecosystem approach are the basis of our vision to establish Bulgaria as an innovation center and high-tech leader in the region. Encouraging innovation and technological progress, creating favorable conditions for start-ups, investing in research and development and implementing the open innovation model shared between our partners will multiply the impact of technology on our economy and social well-being," Minister Stoycheva said.

She highlighted the achievements of Eastern Europe's first ever Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Research Institute – INSAIT, the fastest growing Big Data Ecosystem led by GATE, the Supercomputer and other successful initiatives. According to her, through them Bulgaria will position itself as a leader in the global innovation landscape.

The Minister of Innovation and Growth stated that high-speed Internet access in our country and the construction of quality infrastructure are only the first step in creating a secure and thriving digital environment.

She emphasized that significant financial resources have been allocated for the transformation of Bulgaria's economy into a low-carbon one. "An example of our efforts in this direction is the National Hydrogen Roadmap, prepared by the Ministry of Innovation and Growth, which seeks to improve the conditions for the introduction of hydrogen production, transport and use of hydrogen technologies in industry, energy, transport and the home," Stoycheva said.

According to her, until 2026 we will carry out various initiatives related to hydrogen, including setting quotas for replacing the use of gray hydrogen with green, pilot projects and installations for green hydrogen and evaluating the potential of Bulgaria as an exporting country, etc.

Minister Stoicheva also emphasized the efforts in the field of cyber security. "Our fight against cyber-attacks, cyber-fraud and the misuse of personal data begins with the adoption and implementation of relevant regulations and strategies and goes through our constant efforts to build capacity and ensure the permanent presence of leading experts in our competent institutions," the minister said.

Stoycheva stated that the sector will develop in the direction of creating an integrated national cyber security system, developing sectoral teams to respond to cyber incidents in various sectors, building a secure cyber environment for vulnerable enterprises and organizations and creating a specialized training center to promote of cyber hygiene in the digital economy.