Local Business Shows Great Interest in Digital Transformation Opportunities
On March 19, 2026, the conference hall of the “Les” Hotel Complex in Razgrad City Park hosted the information meeting “Digital Future for Razgrad,” organized by the European Digital Innovation Hub for the North Central Region (EDIH for NCR) in partnership with the “Ambitious Gabrovo” Regional Innovation Center and the Razgrad District Administration. The event brought together representatives of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from the district and was distinguished by the exceptionally high interest shown by the local business community.
Artificial Intelligence – A Reality for Business Today
The meeting opened with a greeting from the Razgrad District Administration. In the keynote report, speaker Alexander Angelov presented specific examples and current trends regarding the impact of artificial intelligence on manufacturing, services, management, and logistics.
- Special attention was given to practical application examples and best practices.
- Participants were also introduced to the concept of digital product passports as a tool for increasing competitiveness.
EDIH for NCR Services – Free Support for SMEs
Speaker Tsvetelina Petrova provided a detailed presentation of the service portfolio through which EDIH for NCR supports small and medium-sized enterprises in the region:
- Test Before Invest: Free access to specialized laboratories where companies can test digital solutions and technologies before making actual investments.
- Training and Skill Development: Modules and programs for digital competencies, presented by speakers Dobromira Yaneva and Alexander Angelov, covering levels from basic digital skills to advanced topics in AI and digital transformation.
- Support for Financing and Building Partnerships: Speaker Maksim Sadinov introduced participants to mechanisms for seeking investment and accessing European innovation networks.
- Ecosystem Building and Networking: Danitsa Yanakieva presented the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN)—a primary European tool for supporting and connecting SMEs, providing access to business partners, technologies, and innovations in over 60 countries worldwide.
Real-Life Best Practices
Speaker Svetoslav Mateev presented specific examples of the successful use of EDIH for NCR services by companies and local administrations, demonstrating the tangible benefits of digital transformation for business.
One of the most prominent examples is the AI chatbot developed for the Municipality of Gabrovo—an innovative solution that provides quick and easy access to administrative services and information, reduces the workload on employees, and demonstrates how AI can improve public sector operations.
The event concluded with a lively discussion and a Q&A session, confirming the strong interest of regional entrepreneurs. The meeting in Razgrad is another step in the mission of EDIH for NCR to make digital transformation accessible and understandable for every enterprise in the North Central Region. We are delighted by the extremely active participation and the in-depth questions from the local business community.
About EDIH for NCR
The European Digital Innovation Hub for the North Central Region (EDIH for NCR) was established under Contract No. BG16RFPR002-1.002-0001-C01 “Accelerated Digitalization of SMEs in the North Central Region,” funded by the “Research, Innovation and Digitalization for Smart Transformation” Program 2021–2027, co-financed by the European Union. The Hub provides free services for testing, training, and support in finding financing for small and medium-sized enterprises in the region.
This news item has been created with the financial support of the Research, Innovation and Digitalization for Smart Transformation Program 2021-2027, co-financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund under project BG16RFPR002-1.002-0001 -C01 “Accelerated digitalization for SMEs in the Central Region through the creation and development of EDIH.” The Regional Innovation Center “Ambitious Gabrovo” bears full responsibility for the content of the document and under no circumstances can it be assumed that this document reflects the official position of the European Union and the managing authority.
