site.btaInnovation Minister: We Must Provide Quality Digital Transformation to Businesses in Bulgaria

Outgoing Minister of Innovation and Growth Milena Stoycheva, who spoke at the 93rd sitting of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Committee on Digital Economy Policy in Paris, said that Bulgarian businesses and the public must be provided with a quality digital transformation, Stoycheva's Ministry reported on Wednesday. Stoycheva is attending a hearing in connection with the presentation of the OECD's Technical Report reflecting Bulgaria's progress in the sector, as part of the accession process.

Stoycheva said that technology and human talent are "at the heart of our vision to establish Bulgaria as an innovation hub and high-tech leader in the region". Fostering innovation and technological advancement, creating an enabling environment for start-ups, investing in R&D and implementing the open innovation model shared will amplify the effect of technology on Bulgaria's economy, the Minister added.

She highlighted the achievements of the Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology (INSAIT), Eastern Europe's first research institute for computer science and artificial intelligence.

The Minister said that access to high-speed internet and quality infrastructure are just the first step in creating a secure and thriving digital environment.

Stoycheva also highlighted efforts in the area of cyber security. "Our fight against cyber-attacks, cyber-crimes and the misuse of personal data starts with the adoption and implementation of relevant regulations and strategies and runs through our ongoing efforts to build capacity and ensure the continued presence of leading experts in our competent institutions," she said.

Stoycheva said the sector will evolve towards the establishment of an integrated national cybersecurity system and developing sector-specific teams to respond to cyber incidents in their respective sectors, building a secure cyber environment for vulnerable organizations and establishing a specialized training centre to promote cyber hygiene in the digital economy.