site.btaBulgaria’s Tech Sector Matures, Eyes Role in National Defence

Bulgaria’s technology ecosystem has entered a new stage of maturity, marked by stronger vision, collaboration, and concrete solutions to national challenges, the Bulgarian Association of Software Companies (BASSCOM) announced following a meeting of its member company leaders in Bansko.

While reaffirming progress on its key long-term causes – sustainable policies in education, innovation, digitalization, and the promotion of Bulgaria as an IT brand, the association highlighted a new strategic theme – technological defence. In light of the evolving global environment, BASSCOM discussed the development of sovereign technological solutions in defence as part of a broader strategy for the country’s technological independence and resilience.

The pulse of the IT industry and BASSCOM’s vision for its future were among the central topics of the gathering. BASSCOM Board Chair Krum Hadjigeorgiev said that the autumn meeting traditionally serves as a moment for the industry to assess where it stands, what changes are underway, and where innovation and dialogue with the state are headed.

Ilia Krastev, Chair of the Management Board of the Bulgarian Employers’ Association Innovative Technologies (BRAIT), of which BASSCOM is an active member, emphasized the need for a long-term national strategy and for clearly defining the tech sector’s role in effectively investing new European funds dedicated to cybersecurity, defence, and education.

The association also reported that the market dynamics and major software deals across the region over the past year were among the discussion points of the autumn meeting.

BASSCOM continues to work towards the creation of an Association of Technological Schools in Bulgaria and for improvements to the Digital Backpack programme, which, according to the association, has yet to realize its full potential for developing digital skills in schools.