"Smart Factories in Ruse": Practical Steps Towards Digital Transformation and Industry 4.0

On January 21, 2026, the Ruse Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) held an information meeting "Smart Factories in Ruse", organized jointly with Deloitte Bulgaria. The event focused on applicable approaches for digital transformation in manufacturing, including how companies can plan, prioritize and implement improvements in stages, with measurable impact.

Participation of Deloitte Bulgaria

From Deloitte Bulgaria, the following participated in the meeting:

• Dimitar Dimitrov – Senior Manager (Technology Strategy & Transformation)
• Stoyan Danin – Senior Consultant (Technology Strategy & Transformation)

Dimitar Dimitrov is an expert with over 19 years of experience in the Bulgarian ERP market, with a strong profile in management and business development, as well as in the implementation of complex digital transformation programs. He has practical experience with platforms such as SAP S/4HANA and Microsoft Dynamics 365, as well as with various ERP solutions, and is also an active lecturer on topics related to ERP, CRM and digital transformation.

Profile of Attending Companies and Representatives

The event brought together representatives of RCCI’s business community with a clear practical focus on manufacturing and investment decision-making. The audience included managers and experts who:

• are responsible for manufacturing, operations and engineering
• manage technologies, automation and digitalization
• are working on process efficiency, quality and production control
• participate in investment planning, modernization and organizational transformation

This audience profile enabled the discussion to focus on real-world cases, implementation prerequisites, and typical barriers on the path to a “smart factory.”

Virtual Connection with The Smart Factory by Deloitte @ Wichita

The highlight of the program was the virtual connection with The Smart Factory by Deloitte @ Wichita, where participants were introduced to the concept of a demonstration environment where "the digital, the physical and the experimental" meet to assist companies in planning sustainable investments and taking the first steps in digital transformation.

During the inclusion, participants had the opportunity to ask questions directly to the general manager of the factory, which turned the demonstration into a real dialogue about applicability, expected results, and organizational prerequisites.

Presentation of RCCI Initiatives and Projects

Within the meeting, the RCCI team presented two key focus areas related to regional skills and technological readiness:

Digital Twin (digitaltwinproject.eu)

The project was presented by Svetoslav Minchev, Membership and ICT Projects Manager, with an emphasis on the role of digital twins for better modeling, training, and implementation of smart manufacturing approaches.

In addition, attention was drawn to the project’s learning platform (mooc.digitaltwinproject.eu), which provides self-assessment of skills and access to modular online courses on key topics such as Digital Twin, Virtual Commissioning, Virtual Maintenance, Business Intelligence and Cybersecurity.

The platform also includes introductory modules on core prerequisites (e.g., 3D CAD, PLC, IoT, and Python), as well as a Virtual Labs section designed for practice-oriented learning in a digital environment. Content is available in multiple languages, including Bulgarian, making it suitable both for individual upskilling and for structured team development aligned with specific needs.

SkillsBridge: Cross-border Academy for Competences in the Smart Industry

The project was presented by Stella Dionisieva, Programs and Projects Expert. The initiative aims to create Cross-border Academy for Industry 4.0, which will offer accessible and practical training and support employment and competitiveness in the ROMANIA - BULGARIA cross-border region through:

• joint training program with 6 thematic modules
• 6 virtual workshops
• construction of Smart Industry Laboratories in Ruse and Craiova (in areas such as pneumatics and electropneumatics, mechatronics, industrial controllers and robotics, hydraulics, electric motors)
• hybrid language courses in Bulgarian and Romanian
• cross-border exchange visits under the program Experience Multiplier
• digital training platform SkillsBridge for distance and hybrid learning

The lead partner of the project is The Ruse Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and partners are ARoTT (Romania) and Bulgarian-Romanian Chamber of Commerce, with associated partners Angel Kanchev University of Ruse and University of Craiova.

Next Steps

The event confirmed the regional business community’s interest in practical digital transformation models, as well as in accessible formats for workforce training and development. RCCI will continue to expand partnerships and initiatives that connect industry, education, and technology solutions in support of companies’ competitiveness.