Economic growth comes from high-value-added industries, science and innovation, Vasilev told a forum in Sofia
Bulgaria is establishing itself as a regional hub for artificial intelligence and high-performance computing. In strategic technologies, the country is already moving alongside some of Europe’s leading centers, Innovation and Digital Transformation Minister Ivan Vasilev said at the opening of the Third Meeting of the Presidents of the Academies of Sciences of the Member States of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation. The international forum, held in Sofia, focused on artificial intelligence as a catalyst for scientific cooperation in the Black Sea Economic Cooperation region.
“Artificial intelligence is no longer just a technology trend, it is the infrastructure of the future. It is transforming science, the economy, healthcare, industry, defense and the full spectrum of public policy. That is why scientific cooperation in AI is so important,” Vasilev said. He said the Black Sea region’s strategic importance is growing further amid global technological transformation. “That makes cooperation among countries in the region crucial, not only for connectivity and security, but also for building shared scientific and innovation capacity,” Vasilev added.
Vasilev highlighted the leading role of Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS) researchers in the next generation of breakthrough-technology companies in artificial intelligence, robotics, mechatronics and other cutting-edge fields. “We will position Bulgaria as one of the best places in Europe to launch and grow companies based on research, talent and innovation,” he said. Economic growth, he said, can be achieved through high-value-added industries driven by science, innovation and technology.
Vasilev also highlighted the role of Bulgaria’s INSAIT and the Big Data for Smart Society Institute (GATE), which are key to digital transformation. He also pointed to Sofia Tech Park as home to the Discoverer supercomputer and the future Bulgarian Robotics and AI Nexus (BRAIN++) AI Factory, through which the country will help create the next generation of technologies, not merely consume them.
Vasilev said the Ministry of Innovation and Digital Transformation aims to operate at the pace of business and technological progress. “The mission of the new institution is to turn Bulgaria into an active participant in innovation, new technologies and artificial intelligence,” he said.
“The true value of artificial intelligence lies in its ability to solve real public problems, and to do so very quickly. I assure you that, as minister, I will work swiftly and purposefully to systematically develop technology transfer so research results can be transformed into patents, licenses and market products,” he said.
Vasilev also outlined some of his main priorities, including additional incentives for research and development to support businesses; the development of regional innovation hubs in partnership with universities, institutes and business incubators to serve regional enterprises; and the digitization and automation of administrative services for businesses, with clear deadlines and transparency.
The event was organized by the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation. It was attended by researchers from the academies of sciences of Romania, Moldova, Albania, Armenia, Serbia, Ukraine, Turkiye and Azerbaijan, as well as members of the diplomatic corps.
