Deputy Minister Andreana Atanasova: Europe will invest 20 billion euros a year in artificial intelligence

At least € 20 billion a year will be invested in artificial intelligence in Europe over the next 10 years, so the combined efforts of administrations, scientists, businesses and NGOs are needed to increase confidence in these technologies. This was stated by Deputy Minister of Transport, Information Technology and Communications Andreana Atanasova during an online forum dedicated to the development of artificial intelligence and the digital economy. The event is organized by the Diplomatic Institute under the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Foreign Economic Relations Directorate at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Digital National Coalition.

Andreana Atanasova reminded that the Council of Ministers adopted a Concept for the Development of Artificial Intelligence in Bulgaria until 2030. The document presents a comprehensive political vision and defines the main areas of impact such as infrastructure and data availability, research and innovation capacity, knowledge and skills, construction of trust in society, etc. The coordinated creation of a national plan is forthcoming, which will determine the specific measures, deadlines, responsible institutions, the expected results and indicators, the sources of financial resources and the organization for reporting the results, the Deputy Minister added. This can only be done with the joint efforts of key state institutions, district administrations, academia, business and professional associations, as well as related non-governmental organizations.

"Our huge potential are the creators of artificial intelligence in Bulgaria - academia and IT companies. We must also develop education, which is the basis for future development. We also expect the assistance of the Ministry of Justice for the development of legal and ethical norms for the use of these technologies, "Andreana Atanasova concluded.