ICT Cluster is a co-founder of the Federation of ICT Clusters for the Digital Future of Bulgaria

Six clusters in the ICT sector signed a charter and established a federation, with which they unite efforts to increase Bulgarian business competitiveness by developing the digital innovation and smart technologies. The first step of the Federation is to provide expert support to the legislative initiative to provide qualified specialists for the Bulgarian ICT sector.

With the ambition to work towards addressing the challenges for the successful development of ICT in Bulgaria, six ICT clusters in Bulgaria set up a Federation of ICT clusters for the Digital Future of Bulgaria on February 23, 2018 in Sofia.

The founders of the Federation are one of the most active organizations in the sector: Foundation "Cluster Information and Communication Technologies", Bulgarian Cluster Telecommunications, ICT Cluster - Varna, ICT Cluster - Plovdiv, ICT Cluster - Burgas and Bulgarian Technological Cluster CODIA.

The founders are united by their cause that the implementation of digital technologies and the promotion of innovation are essential necessity for increasing the competitiveness of the Bulgarian economy and creating a sustainable economic development of the country.

The first initiative of the Federation is to support ICT efforts to put into operation the governmental program for attracting qualified professionals from other countries (the so-called Blue Cards). In the official letter sent to the Prime Minister of Bulgaria - Mr.  Boyko Borisov, the Federation presented its position for a quick solution to the problem of lack of access to human resources for work with new and top technologies in Bulgaria.

The Federation intends to create a favorable business environment for small and medium enterprises in Bulgaria. According to the charter, only through plenipotentiary cooperation between the organizations in the sector is possible successful development of the Bulgarian and European digital market.

The Federation will:

• work for the accelerated implementation of the concept, principles and tools of Industry 4.0 in Bulgaria as a prerequisite for economic growth;
• Encourages the competitiveness of Bulgarian small and medium-sized enterprises through the implementation of digital technologies;
• supports the educational system in Bulgaria through the implementation of modern processes, technologies and programs in order to acquire adequate knowledge and skills;
• will work constructively with the state institutions and the administration in order to adequately create policies, projects, programs supporting the digital development, education and development of clusters in Bulgaria;

For the first co-chairmenship of the Federation with rotation principle and a one-year mandate were elected, the Chairman of foundation ICT Cluster  - Peter Statev and Chairman of ICT Cluster Burgas - Petko Georgiev,