Use of ICT in enterprises in Ruse: Current situation and prospects

Ruse, located on the banks of the Danube River, is a prominent economic center that has shown impressive economic growth in recent years. With an increase in gross domestic product of 7% between 2019 and 2021, despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the city is becoming increasingly attractive to investors. The main economic sectors are services, industry and trade, and investments in 2021 reach over 355 million euros, which represents an increase of almost 21% compared to 2017. All this makes Ruse a promising destination for business and investment development.

However, how Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) get involved in this picture and how can they accelerate the economic development of Ruse?

The Ruse Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) plays an important role in this regard. RTIK acts as a link between business and government institutions, which helps to facilitate the integration and application of ICT in enterprises. It offers information, training and resources that support companies in their digital transformation and help improve the technological literacy of workers.

According to an analysis by the National Statistical Institute, enterprises in Bulgaria are actively adapting ICT. Despite the high percentage of enterprises with Internet access, only a few percent of them use advanced technologies such as "big data", cloud services and the Internet of Things (IoT). Although most businesses have websites, only a small number use the Internet to sell goods and services.

The situation in Rousse corresponds to the general trends at the national level. The city is home to a significant amount of IT and outsourcing related companies. This is supported by the active role of Angel Kanchev University of Rousse, which actively creates and develops ICT personnel. The University is the initiator of the "Danube Digital Hub", which aims to support digital transformation and provide resources for testing and developing innovations in the field of ICT.

In light of this, RTIK plays a critical role in the further digitization of business in Ruse. The Chamber strengthens the connection between educational institutions and enterprises and thus supports the training of ICT workers.

However, this is only the beginning. With the expansion of the use of ICT in business, Ruse has the opportunity to become one of the leading technological destinations in Bulgaria. The potential for a technology-enriched future is enormous, but it requires active participation, strategic planning and concrete investment by all involved in the process. In this process, RTIK has a key role, providing the necessary support and guidance for its members on their journey to digitization.