Among the proposals are simplified legislation for R&D, conditions for remote work, and access to highly skilled professionals through EU Blue Cards.
Sofia, 11 June 2025 – AIBEST Executive Director Nataliya Shishkova-Georgieva outlined the association’s key priorities for the development of the business services and technology sector in Bulgaria during the DIGIWeek Expo & Conference in Burgas. At the event, organized by the European Digital Innovation Hub (DIGIHUB) with the support of Burgas Municipality and the Enterprise Europe Network, she presented AIBEST’s vision for a sustainable digital economy, driven by innovation, education, and a stable regulatory framework.
With more than 70 member companies and around 50,000 people employed in the sector, AIBEST unites leading organizations from the fields of IT, BPO, shared services, R&D, consulting, and HR solutions. In Burgas, Nataliya Shishkova-Georgieva emphasized the need for continuous efforts to improve legislation in support of innovation — including incentives for R&D, flexible conditions for remote work, and access to highly qualified professionals through the “blue card” scheme.
Her presentation also highlighted the association’s long-term commitment to strengthening the connection between business and education. AIBEST is a partner of a student hackathon in Burgas — a format that has also been implemented in several other cities in the country and has attracted over 245 students, 40 mentors, and 15 companies. Higher education is also in focus, through the master’s program “Outsourcing Projects and Companies” at Sofia University, which has been running for seven years and has trained over 70 professionals in the sector. Joint programs with the University of Economics – Varna are also under development.
“To make Bulgaria a preferred destination for innovation and investment, we must offer not only talent, but also an environment that fosters sustainable development. This requires active collaboration between business, institutions, and the education system,” stated Nataliya Shishkova-Georgieva.
As part of the EDIH DIGIHUB consortium, AIBEST contributes to building an innovation ecosystem in Southeast Bulgaria, with a focus on institutional engagement, technological brokerage for SMEs, and awareness campaigns in support of digital transformation.
AIBEST’s participation in DIGIWeek 2025 reaffirmed the organization’s role as a driver of change and an advocate for a future where technology and education go hand in hand.
DIGIWeek 2025 was held at Tria Space, Central Park Burgas, and brought together hundreds of participants from across the country — including representatives of institutions, tech companies, academic institutions, and innovation organizations. The forum emphasized the synergy between European networks such as EDIH and EEN and their role in advancing digital transformation and sustainable regional development.
Sofia, 11 June 2025 – AIBEST Executive Director Nataliya Shishkova-Georgieva outlined the association’s key priorities for the development of the business services and technology sector in Bulgaria during the DIGIWeek Expo & Conference in Burgas. At the event, organized by the European Digital Innovation Hub (DIGIHUB) with the support of Burgas Municipality and the Enterprise Europe Network, she presented AIBEST’s vision for a sustainable digital economy, driven by innovation, education, and a stable regulatory framework.
With more than 70 member companies and around 50,000 people employed in the sector, AIBEST unites leading organizations from the fields of IT, BPO, shared services, R&D, consulting, and HR solutions. In Burgas, Nataliya Shishkova-Georgieva emphasized the need for continuous efforts to improve legislation in support of innovation — including incentives for R&D, flexible conditions for remote work, and access to highly qualified professionals through the “blue card” scheme.
Her presentation also highlighted the association’s long-term commitment to strengthening the connection between business and education. AIBEST is a partner of a student hackathon in Burgas — a format that has also been implemented in several other cities in the country and has attracted over 245 students, 40 mentors, and 15 companies. Higher education is also in focus, through the master’s program “Outsourcing Projects and Companies” at Sofia University, which has been running for seven years and has trained over 70 professionals in the sector. Joint programs with the University of Economics – Varna are also under development.
“To make Bulgaria a preferred destination for innovation and investment, we must offer not only talent, but also an environment that fosters sustainable development. This requires active collaboration between business, institutions, and the education system,” stated Nataliya Shishkova-Georgieva.
As part of the EDIH DIGIHUB consortium, AIBEST contributes to building an innovation ecosystem in Southeast Bulgaria, with a focus on institutional engagement, technological brokerage for SMEs, and awareness campaigns in support of digital transformation.
AIBEST’s participation in DIGIWeek 2025 reaffirmed the organization’s role as a driver of change and an advocate for a future where technology and education go hand in hand.
DIGIWeek 2025 was held at Tria Space, Central Park Burgas, and brought together hundreds of participants from across the country — including representatives of institutions, tech companies, academic institutions, and innovation organizations. The forum emphasized the synergy between European networks such as EDIH and EEN and their role in advancing digital transformation and sustainable regional development.
