Concept for digital transformation of Bulgarian industry (Industry 4.0)

Industry 4.0 (Digital Transformation of Industry Concept) – A strategic Concept for the Digital Transformation of the Bulgarian Industry (Industry 4.0) was approved by the government in August 2017​ Coordinated by the Ministry of Economy, this policy framework lays the groundwork for Bulgaria’s adaptation to the Fourth Industrial Revolution. It aims to modernise and automate the industrial sector, promote innovation, adopt new technologies (like AI and IoT), and increase the competitiveness of Bulgarian industry in the medium to long term.​

The aim of this Concept is to create prerequisites for the modernisation, automation and competitive positioning of the Bulgarian economy in the medium to long term (2017 – 2030). The vision outlined in the Concept is that by 2030, Bulgaria will be recognised as a regional center of the digital economy through the implementation of products, technologies, business models and processes from Industry 4.0.

The adoption of the Concept will allow for the adoption of specific policies and measures for the digitalization of the real economy and the manufacturing sector and will help coordinate policies, tools and mechanisms across the various line ministries, and in line with European Union policies in this area. The areas of intervention covered in the Concept for business digitalization, export orientation and competitiveness are the following:

Direction 1: Strengthen the connection between science and industry in the country and accelerate the integration of Bulgaria into European and international programs, initiatives, and networks related to the development and implementation of Industry 4.0.

Direction 2: Technological renewal of the Bulgarian economy through: introducing standards, building infrastructure, developing specific mechanisms to stimulate the development and market implementation of technological innovations (new products, services and production processes) through Industry 4.0 technologies.

Direction 3: Building human, scientific, organisational and institutional capacity for the development of Industry 4.0 in Bulgaria.