Deputy Minister Yakimov: MIG supports the digital transformation of business and the use of new technologies

INSAIT has raised Bulgaria to a world level in the field of artificial intelligence, said the Deputy Minister of Innovation and Growth at the Fourth International Strategic Communications Summit Stratcom Summit 24 in Istanbul.

The Ministry of Innovation and Growth (MIG) actively supports the digital transformation of Bulgarian business and the implementation of modern technologies and artificial intelligence in enterprises through various financial instruments and measures. The use of artificial intelligence will increase cost efficiency and is crucial for the competitiveness of companies. This was stated by Deputy Minister of Innovation and Growth Krasimir Yakimov at the Fourth International Strategic Communications Summit Stratcom Summit '24 in Istanbul.

The forum "Artificial Intelligence in Communications: Trends, Dangers and Transformations", organized by the Presidency of the Republic of Turkey, brought together representatives of over 30 countries, and among the main topics of the event were artificial intelligence, information security, digitalization, cybersecurity, etc.

"Digital transformation is the future, our goal is to achieve it smoothly. We have developed various financial instruments to support business and academia. The ministry manages a financial resource of 5 billion leva, which are aimed at modernizing companies, developing and implementing innovations, technology transfer, increasing competitiveness, etc.," Yakimov said.

He emphasized that through the establishment of the Institute of Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology (INSAIT), Bulgaria has risen to a world level in the field of artificial intelligence and attracted internationally recognized specialists and scientists to the country. "With INSAIT, Bulgaria significantly improves its status as a strong player in science and innovation and enables students to develop their skills in the field of high-tech innovations," he said.

Yakimov also said that the Sofia-based tech park Discoverer supercomputer is currently being upgraded with new systems that will allow it to meet the growing needs of business and academia for performing tasks in the field of artificial intelligence.

Regarding digitalization tools, the deputy minister pointed out that the Fund of Funds also supports projects in various priority areas such as digitalization. The Fund of Funds is currently developing new venture capital funds under the program for competitiveness and innovation in enterprises and funds are planned for innovative companies and enterprises implementing digitalization projects in line with Industry 4.0.

The country is developing measures for digital transformation and artificial intelligence. Among them is the building of administrative capacity in accordance with the new EU AI Act and changes to the Cybersecurity Act. A certificate of a job well done is the positive assessment by the OECD, which was given to Bulgaria, and the closing of the "Digital Policy" chapter of the negotiation process for its accession to the Organization, it became clear from Yakimov's words.

When asked about the challenges facing our country, he pointed to the retention of IT and AI talents. "Bulgaria can boast of a strong pool of specialists and among the main tasks is their retention in the country," Yakimov added. He also added that the mass use of artificial intelligence will create a need for new skills and professions.

Through the Concept for the Development of Artificial Intelligence in Bulgaria by 2030 and the Strategy for Intelligent Specialization, steps are being taken towards the development of scientific achievements and building capacity for innovation.

The Stratcom Summit 24 conference was opened by the Vice President of Turkey, Cevdet Yilmaz, and was attended by ministers, deputy ministers, representatives of industry and academia, as well as professionals in the field of communications from a number of countries.