The opportunities for accelerating the adoption of artificial intelligence in Bulgarian enterprises and the measures for implementing the National Industrial Strategy were the main focus of the meeting of the National Council of the Bulgarian Industrial Capital Association (BICA), held on 26 October 2026 and chaired by Rumen Radev, Chairman of BICA's Management Board.
Representatives of the Ministry of Innovation and Digital Transformation (MIDT) and the Ministry of Economy, Industry and Innovation (MEII) took part in the discussions.
Artificial Intelligence as a Driver of Competitiveness
Nikolay Karamihov, Director of the Innovation Policy and Entrepreneurship Directorate at MIDT, and Martin Stoyanov, an expert in the same directorate, presented current policies and initiatives aimed at developing and promoting the adoption of artificial intelligence.
The topics discussed included the national regulatory framework for implementing the EU Artificial Intelligence Act, opportunities for technological modernisation of enterprises, and the need to develop appropriate infrastructure and digital skills.
BICA Chairman Rumen Radev emphasised that artificial intelligence must become a genuine driver of increased productivity, efficiency and competitiveness among Bulgarian enterprises.
He highlighted the need for coordination between technological investments, the development of energy infrastructure and the specific needs of businesses.
BICA Calls for Active Business Involvement in Implementing the National Industrial Strategy
Zhelyaz Enev and Kremena Nedkova, representatives of the Ministry of Economy, Industry and Innovation, took part in the discussion on the proposed measures for implementing the National Industrial Strategy.
BICA welcomed efforts to pursue a consistent industrial policy, emphasising the importance of the active involvement of nationally representative employers' organisations and their sectoral structures in the planning, implementation and monitoring of the measures.
The Association proposed that the National Economic Council assume the functions of a monitoring committee for the National Industrial Strategy. This would ensure effective cooperation between the government and businesses, as well as the timely consideration of industry's needs.
In this regard, BICA will call for a meeting of the National Economic Council to address matters related to the implementation of the Strategy.
Six New Members Join BICA
The National Council approved the admission of six new members, further expanding the Association's representation across various sectors of the economy:
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Alliance for the Sustainable Development of Artificial Intelligence;
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Bulgarian-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry;
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Meta 8 Ltd.;
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Professional Cosmetics Sector Association;
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Social Cloud KCT;
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UQVisas EOOD.
The accession of the new organisations and enterprises creates additional opportunities for cooperation, knowledge sharing and the implementation of joint initiatives within BICA.
2027 State Budget and International Industrial Cooperation
During the meeting, the National Council also discussed BICA's priorities regarding the preparation of the 2027 state budget.
The Association reaffirmed its position that fiscal consolidation should be achieved through structural reforms and more efficient management of public expenditure, without increasing the tax and social security burden.
The National Council also discussed and approved the programme for the upcoming high-level seminar dedicated to strengthening cooperation between Bulgaria and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
The event is jointly organised by BICA, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and UNIDO and will take place on 12 November 2026 at 9:00 a.m. in Sofia.
The forum will mark the tenth anniversary of the signing of the Cooperation Agreement between BICA and UNIDO and will present opportunities for Bulgarian enterprises to participate in international projects, benefit from technology transfer and enter new markets.
Further information about the seminar and registration opportunities is available on BICA's website.
