President Rumen Radev today discussed with Microsoft representatives opportunities for deepening the partnership in the areas of digital transformation, cybersecurity, competence enhancement and artificial intelligence. Participating in the discussion were the company's General Manager for the Southeast Europe region Kristina Tikhonova, Kalin Dimchev, Manager for Bulgaria, Southeast Europe and the Adriatic, and Simion-Dorin Rusu, Government Affairs Manager for Romania, Northern and Western Balkans. The Ministers of Innovation and Growth and of E-Government, Alexander Pulev and Georgi Todorov respectively, as well as the Executive Director of the Bulgarian Investment Agency, Bogdan Bogdanov also took part in the meeting.
Rumen Radev highlighted Bulgaria's good cooperation with Microsoft. The company has been operating in this country for 24 years. Its work with institutions, businesses and start-ups, as well as the established partner network, are a prerequisite for progress in the field of e-government, sustainable development and digital transformation, contributing to the development of the business environment and attracting foreign investment. The President also highlighted the company's support in STEM and STEAM education. The skills that young people are gaining through innovation in science, digital technology, engineering thinking and mathematical sciences are transforming the educational environment and creating young skilled professionals who are key to the development of Bulgaria's economy.
The potential in the field of research and development and the sharing of best practices and innovative solutions for technology introduction were also the focus of the session. The possibility of deepening the partnership with the company in the development of digital infrastructure in key projects for the country, as well as for further joint actions for the digital transformation of the country, including in the field of public services, was noted. Rumen Radev mentioned the Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology at St. Kliment Ohridski University (INSAIT), whose activities are increasingly attracting leading foreign professors and building highly qualified researchers, as well as the National Center for Monitoring, Coordination and Management, which this country is establishing with funding under the Recovery and Resilience Plan.
Bulgaria is working to improve its business environment and is becoming increasingly attractive for foreign investment in technology. That is why it is necessary to create effective and sustainable software solutions and to continuously improve them, President Radev further said. The threats in the field of cyber security are constantly changing and in this regard, systems are needed that have the capacity not only to monitor the current situation, but also to play a preventive role in view of the challenges in the digital environment, the participants in the talks further noted.