site.btaEconomy Minister: Closer Collaboration between Civilian, Military, Research, Innovation Communities Needed to Rush Innovation in Defence Sector

Closer interaction between the civilian, military, research and innovation communities is needed to accelerate the pace of innovation in the defence sector, caretaker Economy Minister Petko Nikolov said at a seminar on innovation in the Bulgarian defence industry and the modernization of the Bulgarian army at the University of National and World Economy (UNWE) on Monday. The forum was held under the patronage of the Ministers of Defence and Economy.

Nikolov said that in order to ensure the competitiveness and sustainability of the defence sector, a new approach to innovation is needed, in particular to the so-called revolutionary technologies, because their role is becoming increasingly important in areas such as artificial intelligence, big data, quantum technologies, robotics, autonomous systems, supersonic weapons systems, biotechnologies, which not only provide a strategic advantage, but also ensure effective protection against asymmetric threats in the modern world.

The Economy Minister pointed out that his Ministry will continue to encourage and support business, as well as to work for the establishment of the industry as European competitive, stable, and innovative in the global aspect.

The Innovation Ministry is working on an idea, which is likely to be implemented in the next period, to create a national investment and innovation financial instrument, said Deputy Innovation Ministry Angelov. The aim is to have a national instrument to implement priority projects for the country, especially in defence. He added that this will enable Bulgaria to reach a certain level in the supply chain not only at the subcontractor level but also as an active participant. Other priority areas related to defence are: chips, space, and artificial intelligence.

Deputy Economy Minister David Sukalinski presented the opportunities that the European programmes and initiatives open for the defence industry and for the Bulgarian research organizations, institutions and academic centres working in the field of security and defence.