News_
21 Nov-2014

Project “Bridging business and vocational training”

ICT Cluster is a partner in the project “Bridging business and vocational training”- Bulgarian-German project to improve employment opportunities for young people in Bulgaria.

The project aims to improve the quality of education and access to employment in Bulgaria, Moldova, Romania and Ukraine. The "European integration of Southeast Europe" supports educational reforms in these countries through the development of qualifications and credit systems in accordance with EU requirements, allowing transparency and comparability of diplomas and qualifications across Europe. Thus partners acquire competencies to develop new educational programs. Supported by a number of representatives of industry and business organizations, universities and the National Agency for Vocational Education and Training.

The project is implemented by both Bulgaria and a numerous countries such as Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia and Ukraine.

13 Nov-2014

Bulgaria, Rоmania and Turkey supported “Balkan and Black Sea ICT Clusters Network”

A meeting of the Working group for ICT of “Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation” was held on November 8th 2014 in Yerevan, Armenia. Mr. Peter Statev – Chairman of the Managing board of ICT Cluster, presented the “Balkan and Black Sea ICT Clusters Network” before the representatives of the countries members of BSEC. The initiative was supported by Bulgaria, Rоmania and Turkey. It is expected the other countries members to state their position, soon.

The “Balkan and Black Sea ICT Clusters Network” was launched at ICT conference in April organized by ICT Cluster and “Ministry of Transport Information Technology and Communications” in the framework of  the Bulgarian chairmanship of “Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation”. The network has 16 members from Albania, Kosovo, Macedonia, Greece, Turkey, Bulgaria, Serbia, Rоmania, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

10 Nov-2014

International award for best use of ICT - Discobolos

You can showcase your best use of information and communication technologies in front of our judges and Europe, and win our Jubilee 20 years Discobolos award.

JISA - Union of ICT Societies in cooperation with the CEPIS - Council of European Professional Informatics Societies, EEIG - European Economic Chamber of Trade Commerce and Industry, regional chambers of commerce, information technology associations and numerous ICT experts compiled an international jury that will announce the most interesting solutions in use of information technologies in the following categories: Production, Project, Management, Public services, Finance, Health, Education, Services, Web achievements, Professional ICT conferences, Radio and TV Shows, ICT Publishing and Global partners.

Your APPLICATION must be filled on the website www.jisa.rs and should contain a brief description of the solution in desired category. It will be distributed among all members of the eminent jury for analyses, and by the collecting their points we will get this year's main and special awards.

The competition is open until 15th November 2014.
The award ceremony: is scheduled for 10th December 2014, Belgrade city Assembly Old Castle, in the presence of eminent guests from Europe and Serbian government.

23 Oct-2014

ICT Cluster participated at the European Cluster Conference 2014

Representatives of ICT Cluster attended the fourth European Cluster Conference which took place in Brussels on October 20-21. The aim of the conference was to discuss latest trends and challenges for modern cluster policies and to identify priority areas for a new European Cluster Strategy for Growth. The participants had the opportunity to vote on different statements related to the formulation of a dynamic European cluster policy framework.

The final text of the declaration voted during the conference is available - here
Conference coverage video - here

You can find the speakers’ presentation at the following links:
1. Challenges for a new European Cluster Strategy for Growth,Massimo Baldinato;
2. A National Perspective from France on cluster policy challenges, Alain Schmitt; 
3. A Perspective from the Basque Country on the vanguard role that cluster policies can play in regional smart specialisation strategies, Arantxa Tapia;
4. The Business Perspective: The role of clusters in supporting SMEs to access industrial value chains, Franz Josef Kirschfink;
5. Findings from the Emerging Industries report and the European Cluster Excellence Scoreboard of the European Cluster Observatory, Laurent Probst;
6. New cluster mapping and trends, model demonstrator regions and services from the European Cluster Observatory, Christian Ketels and Kincso Izsak;
7. Actions for new linkages needed - A policy roadmap for stimulating emerging industries, Lennart Svensson;
8. The role of cluster organisations in supporting emerging industries, Gerd Meier zu Köcker;
9. Upcoming Commission call for cluster facilitated projects for new industrial value chains to help SMEs innovate and grow, Kirsi Ekroth-Manssila;
10. The future role of clusters in supporting cross-sectoral actions and growth, Mr. Anders Eldrup;
11. Elements of excellent policy for fostering mature and emerging clusters and benchmarking of cluster programs, Thomas Lämmer-Gamp;
12. Changes in cluster policy and how to measure their economic impact, Emily Wise;
13. The role of clusters in smart specialisation strategies and first trends observed, Claire Nauwelaers;
14. Development needs for cluster management excellence: Results from the benchmarking and labelling of cluster organisation, Helmut Kergel;
15. Widening of training modules for cluster managers, Reza Zadeh;
16. Observations from the first steps of European Strategic Cluster Partnerships and EU cluster matchmaking events, Marc Pattinson;
17. Growth accelerators and clusters, Nicholas Coutts;
18. Coworking incubation and clusters – Connecting to creatives and start-ups, Florian Bergmann;
19. Alternative sources of financing from cross-sectoral innovation vouchers, microcredits, refundable contributions, peer-to-peer lending to crowdfunding: What help can cluster support offer?, Edgar Garcia;
20. Designing new directions for cluster policies, Madeline Smith;

22 Oct-2014

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed amoung ICT clusters in the Balkan and Black sea region

On October 15-th at Nis, Serbia 16 ICT clusters and ICT organizations signed a Memorandum of Understanding. This is the second step of the initiative of creating a ICT clusters network in the Balkan and Black sea region.  The initiative started with a conference held in April 2014 organized by Foundation ICT Cluster and Ministry of Transport, Information Technologies and Communications within the bulgarian chairmanship of “Black Sea Economic Cooperation".
 The main objective of the network is to enhance cooperation between ICT clusters and to create more business opportunities by joining the efforts, support innovation and foster collaboration for joint research projects.

1 Oct-2014

USAID WORKSHOP No.2 in Nis, Serbia

As part of the ICT Forum 2014 conference on October, 15th, 2014 will be hend USAID WORKSHOP No. 2 in Nis, Serbia.

 USAID Workshop no. 1 took place in Novi Sad at the end of May 2014. Then were initiated several topics on which can be developed a joint project proposal , which can  be submit to the EU funding calls. This workshop will be focused on reviewing a project proposal that is initiated by the Bulgarian ICT Cluster and is addressing a COSME call related to cluster collaboration.

Also part of the event will be singnig of Memorandum for understanding between: ICT Cluster Bulgaria; Bulgarian Telecommunications Cluster; NICAT; Vojvodina Cluster; ICT Cluster – Plovdiv; ICT NET; Albanian ICT Association; Cluj ICT Cluster; MASIT; Corallia; HAMAC and ODTU TEKNOKENT Yonetim AS, which is Turkish  technology park managing two clusters - defence cluster and ICT Cluster.

The events agenda you can find here: USAID Workshop No. 2 - Agenda

29 Jul-2014

International HR Conference

On 30th September and 1st October at Hilton Hotel, Sofia, will be held the International HR Conference.

 ICT Cluster is partner of the event, which will provide the participants the combination of practical advice, successful approaches, and best practices. The two-day event is designed to bring together the HR Managers of top manufacturing companies together with professional universities to present examples of successful collaboration and to strengthen and sustain this cooperation.

Key Topics include:
∙ Best Practice Examples in Human Capital Management shared by global automotive & technology leaders and experience to realize it in Bulgaria
∙ Business and Universities speak about their cooperation and the latest Human Capital trends
∙ Next EU Program period – advantages and new opportunities
∙ Practical case studies from Bulgaria and Romania & how to implement in Bulgaria the successful experience of our partners

The Delegates will have the opportunity to learn about the best HR Practices and developments in Talent Acquisition, Employee Engagement, and Learning & Development. The presentation of the Concept of Dual Education System will emphasize on the advantages of the collaboration between the educational programs and the business and on how to strengthen this process in Bulgaria.

The forum will feature senior-level international speakers and HR professionals awarded for their achievements and contribution to the HR domain.

The HR Conference will be a rewarding event for all delegates. They will not only experience it as a stimulating platform to explore latest trends in HR, but will also have best opportunities to exchange ideas in a highly focused Automotive and Technology environment.
 
For more information and registration details please visit:
http://automotive.bg/hr-group/hr-conference/

9 Jul-2014

ИКТ Клъстер изготви „Национален план за широколентова инфраструктура за достъп от следващо поколение (NGA)”

ИКТ Клъстер беше изпълнител на обществена поръчка към Министерство на транспорта, информационните технологии и съобщенията , за изготвяне на „Национален план за широколентова инфраструктура за достъп от следващо поколение (NGA)”.  На 25.06.2014 националният план беше гласуван и приет на заседанието на правителството.

Целият текст на плана може да откриете на линка по-долу:
„Национален план за широколентова инфраструктура за достъп от следващо поколение (NGA)”

25 Jun-2014

It was held the final training of young entrepreneurs within the project "Entrepreneurship without borders."

 
On 10 -11 June 2014 in Ardino municipality was held the final conference and round table on entrepreneurship and the training "Virtual business: values, goods and money" within the project "Entrepreneurship without borders".

The first day of the  training was held through video conferencing between the conference room of Ardino municipality and the ICT Cluster’s office. The training was opened with a speech by Mr. Resmi Murad, Mayor of Ardino and Mr. Nedzhmi Hodzhov, Vice-mayor and project expert. During the  first day of training speakers were Mr. Nikolai Angov - co-founder of Business Booster Sofia, a successful entrepreneur and lecturer at Harvard affiliated Center for Economic Strategies and Competitiveness (CESC) and Mr. Stoyan Angelov - successful entrepreneur and member of the organization "Start It Smart". Mr. Peter Statev, Ms. Eileen Moloney and Mr. Michael O’Connor also took part in the training through conferent video between the ICT Cluster’s office and Ardino municipality. An active discussion, individual and group practical exercises and assignments were also held.

The training "Virtual business - values, goods and money" continued until 12:00 pm on June 11.

The second day of training was attended by the experts from CorkBIC, ICT Cluster and Ardino municipality.

Lecturers and students held an active discussion and practical tasks, a review of the lessons learned during the four training sessions was made and also success stories and best practices were presented.

On June 11th after the lunch break a conference roundtable on entrepreneurship took place.

The event was attended by the project experts from ICT Cluster, Ardino and  CorkBIC, Next Consult Ltd, NGOs and entrepreneurs from Kardzhali, libraries and schools in Ardino, students, representatives of MIG - Ardino, local and regional authorities, as well as 25 participants in the entrepreneurship trainings.

During the event the results of the project "Entrepreneurship without borders" were presented, participants discussed the opportunities for entrepreneurship promotion and creation of incubator supporting start-ups in Ardino municipality .

The conference was closed with awarding ceremony.

After the end of the event a press conference was held.

The partners in the project "Entrepreneurship without borders" - Foundation ICT Cluster, Ardino Municipality and CorkBIC agreed to continue the efforts and cooperation for sustainable development of entrepreneurship in the region.

25 Jun-2014

Project "Entrepreneurship without borders" launched a branch of CoderDOJO in Ardino

With the support of CorkBIC and ICT Cluster in Ardino was created branch of CoderDojo – an initiative for training in programming for nonprogrammers - children at age 7-17 years.

CoderDojo is a global movement established in 2011 by James Welton and Bill Liao and supported by CorkBIC. 2 years after its establishment the  movement became a global phenomenon!

On June 14, 2014 in the School "Vasil Levski" Anton Tcholakov and Nikolay Chochev organized the first CoderDOJO meeting  in  Ardino, supported by the ICT Cluster and CorkBIC. The initiative was attended by 18 participants. During the meeting, participants created their first web pages.

16 Jun-2014

ICT Cluster was part of the the Kick-off meeting of the DonauMotor project

ICT Cluster attended the the Kick-off meeting of the DonauMotor project. The event was held on June 5th 2014 in Sofia Bulgaria.

Dr. Truckenmüller welcomed the participants and presented the idea for optimization of the transnational value chains in Europe by setting up the Danube Region wide Automotive super-cluster DonauMotor. A managed huge internet platform which connects the manufacturing industries in the countries along the Danube river shall support the process. An overview was given about the current project status and the connected projects of IMACOS and ACB - Auto Park Bulgaria, DonauSchwaben-KMU, etc. The DonauMotor project was shortly presented with its 3 phases.

Outputs of the meeting

Project ideas:

1.Vocational training seminars
   1.1 Regional academies for trainings
2.Communication and Brokerage Platform
3.Auto Park Bulgaria
4.Innovation hub in Mechatronics
5.Dual education of engineers
   5.1 Engineers of the future
6.Value network development
7.New Generation Workplace
   7.1 Automation
   7.2 Ergonomics
   7.3 Art
8.Relocation of electronic parts manufacturing to Europe
9.Better communication to increase more business
10.Integration of Start-ups + Technology leaders
11.E-mobility
12.Set up of a supply structure for Tesla when moving manufacturing to Europe as expected.

 

Decisions:

1. The project management will provide a template for project ideas.

2. The project team will be requested to detail the project ideas created in the meeting plus additional ideas in those templates for a standard processing.

3. Save the date for the next meeting including the establishment of the Advisory Board – October 28-29, 2014

 

26 May-2014

ICT Cluster took part in a “Roadshow” for innovative SMEs in the field of transport, held in Ruse

Roadshow for innovative SMEs in the field of transport was held on 16th May 2014 in University of Ruse “Angel Kаnchev”. The event was organized by Ruse Chamber of Commerce and Industry within a project IntraSME – action of support of innovative SMEs in the field of transport.

The event agenda was focused on:
• Opportunities and potential of the low–carbon, intelligent transport and its applications for all kind of vehicles.
• Information how SMEs to get access to EU finding for R&D, commercialization and realization of innovative products and services;
• Opportunities for networking and building partnerships between European SME and business support organizations.

The event was dedicated to all European SMEs willing to learn more about the opportunities INTRASME can offer and to network with potential partners from across Europe. During the event were presented good practices by Polish, British, Italian, Romanian and Bulgarian SMEs and business support organizations.

At the event were more than 30 participants – SMEs, business support organizations, national and regional clusters and associations, representatives of R&D organizations, universities and the regional public administration. At the agenda was given special time to participants to share experiences and make new contacts and partnerships.

During the event Krasimira Shindarova presented the ICT Cluster’s experience and expertise in the field of the intelligent transport systems.