Holding of information and consultation events under the Cyber4AllSTAR project under the slogan: European Digital Innovation Days in Local Government
December 10-12, 2024, Landmark Creek, Plovdiv
Between December 10 and 12, 2024 a series of six events were held at the Landmark Creek Hotel in Plovdiv as part of the European Digital Innovation Days in Local Government forum. The event brought together representatives of Bulgarian municipalities, state institutions, cybersecurity experts, and technology companies to discuss key topics related to digital transformation, cybersecurity, new regulations, and opportunities for implementing innovations in local government.
The forum began with an “Investor Day” module, opened with introductory remarks by Radoslav Rizov, Director General of the European Funds for Competitiveness Directorate at the Ministry of Innovation and Growth, Pavel Ivanov from the Institute of Public Administration (IPA), Desislava Terzieva from the Union for Economic Initiative – Plovdiv, and Hristian Daskalov, Chairman of the Board of Directors of EDIH “Trakia”. They emphasised the importance of digitalisation as a key tool for improving competitiveness and data security in local government and business.
In the panel “Support for Data Protection and Infrastructure,” Radoslav Rizov and Pavel Ivanov presented new opportunities for supporting local authorities and businesses through digitisation. Ivan Goychev, Deputy Mayor of Sofia Municipality for Digitalisation, who participated online, shared good practices and experience in the digital transformation of the capital.
The first day’s program ended with a webinar on “New Regulations in Digital Transformation,” moderated by Yasen Tanev. Representatives of municipalities such as Plovdiv, Troyan, Petrich, and Bansko discussed the challenges and opportunities that the new regulations present to local authorities, providing valuable information on the implementation of innovative solutions.
On December 11, the program continued with the module “Innovation and Digitalization.” The day began with a presentation of innovations for the public sector by the IPA. Pavel Ivanov presented the institute’s new training courses, and Tanya Ivanova-Chikova presented the chatbot chIPA. Desislava Hadzhiruskova from the Municipality of Bansko also demonstrated their municipal chatbot.
A discussion on developing digital transformation and cyber defense skills was led by Yasen Tanev with the participation of speakers such as Stanislav Atanasov from Plovdiv University and Ivaylo Blagoev from Contipso Learning. The panel concluded with practical advice and strategies for protecting critical infrastructure, presented by experts such as Alexandra Slavova from Fortinet and Temenuzhka Spasova.
The afternoon session on December 11 was devoted to “Financially Sustainable Local Governance,” moderated by Christian Daskalov. The panel included online presentations by Gabriela Ruseva from Eurocities and Dochka Vassileva from the Fund of Funds. They discussed opportunities for financing innovation through European programs.
On the last day of the forum, December 12, participants took part in a “Workshop on Investment and Grant Financing.” This part of the event featured experts such as Krasimir Loikov from Europe Direct and Svetoslav Mateev from the Regional Innovation Center “Ambitious Gabrovo,” who discussed the possibilities for implementing new technologies in local government.
The forum ended with a “Demo Day,” where young entrepreneurs and technology companies presented innovative solutions. Special attention was paid to the projects of the finalists in the “Business Angel of Plovdiv University” competition.
The European Digital Innovation Days in Local Government provided a platform for sharing best practices and innovations to improve the efficiency of local government and cybersecurity. Participants had the opportunity to learn more about new regulations, technologies, and financing, as well as to establish new contacts and partnerships.
The event is part of project No. 101083793 – CYBER4All STAR – DIGITAL-2021-EDIH-01 of the European Commission and project No. BG16RFPR002-1.001-0003 under the program “Research, Innovation and Digitalisation for Smart Transformation.” The views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) alone and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority is responsible for them.