site.btaBulgaria Has Potential to Shape Technological Future, Innovation Minister Says

Bulgaria has both the ambition and the potential to play a leading role in the debate on the technological future, Innovation and Digital Transformation Minister Ivan Vasilev said here on Tuesday, as quoted by his Ministry. He was speaking during a panel on artificial intelligence, innovation and digital diplomacy within the Annual Conference with the Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives of the Republic of Bulgaria.

Vasilev also said that the Government's priorities included transforming Bulgaria's economy towards high-value-added industries and accelerating the digital transformation of public services.

He noted his goal was for Bulgaria to become the best place in Europe to launch and grow a high-value-added business by 2030, adding that the country had the talent, access to capital, and a government committed to establishing the necessary legal framework.

Vasilev said further that his Ministry was integrating artificial intelligence into its day-to-day operations and encouraging other public institutions to do the same. He also told the diplomats that he had established an Advisory Council of Robots to contribute to discussions on technological development. The Minister stressed that technology should be viewed as a tool rather than a threat, saying AI systems could support discussions but would not replace people or make decisions.

He also said Bulgaria was holding active talks on becoming an associate member of the European Space Agency (ESA) and was working to develop the Dobroslavtsi economic zone into a hub for space technologies.

Deputy Economy Minister Mihaela Karadimova also addressed the conference, urging Bulgarian ambassadors to take a more active role in promoting business and investment opportunities and highlighting the importance of economic diplomacy for the country's development.