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Overview

Country:
Bulgaria

Level of Outreach:
National

Field of Interest(s):
Digitalization & industrialization (e.g. integrating AI practices, using CAD software for 2D and 3D, industrialized and modular construction, use of prefabricated building systems)

Supported By:
National Agency

Description

The initiative represents a strategic collaboration between the EDIH in Construction and Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works (MRDPW) in the field of development of digital capacities for the construction sector in Bulgaria. By utilizing the expertise of the EDIH, the MRDPW appoints the EDIH to be responsible for the implementation of measures in the National Strategy for strategic objectives S.O.2.1 and S.O.2.2 related to digital capacity, skills and innovation.

Project/Initiative Data

Project/Initiative Website:
n/a

Start Date:
April 6, 2023

End Date:
December 31, 2030

Total Budget:
n/a

What makes this project/initiative unique?:
It identifies the training needs for developing adequate programs in respect of trasversal skills, promotion and attractiveness of construction industry, energy efficiency, digitalization, green and sustainable construction, It addresses to a variety of European priorities (e.g. the aforementioned European Skills Agenda, the European Green Deal or the Digital Agenda), It integrates the necessary construction green skills in VET

Aim

Established by the 11 leading, nationally represented organisations the EDIH is recognized as the most relevant actor in building digital transformation capacity in the construction sector in Bulgaria. This public recognition triggered a dialogue between the EDIH and the MRDPW for provision of expert support in the drafting the National Strategy for Digital Transformation of the Construction Sector 2030 in specific the areas within the EDIH’s expertise: one-stop shop for public and private support for innovation adoption, twin transition, skills development – all of them of highest relevance for the Strategy. During the process, the EDIH participated in working group meetings, analysed the draft strategy and provided suggestions for its best-fitting role and support in the implementation. As a result, in the adopted National Strategy and the Roadmap by the Council of Ministers on 6th April 2023, the EDIH takes the role of national integrator of science and industry in the process of transformation of the Bulgarian construction sector and is appointed responsible for the implementation of “S.O.2.1 Development of the digital capacity and skills of the work force in the construction sector” and “S.O.2.2 Activities related to innovation in the construction sector”.
The inclusion of the EDIH as a key actor in the Strategy is in practice novel approach for the Bulgarian policy making – it aims to address the digital transformation of the construction sector holistically. The involvement of the EDIH in the implementation of the strategy will:
- Bridge expertise gaps in innovation adoption in the construction sector on national level
- Leverage policy making processes on national and EU level
- Establish common national vision on skills development for the construction sector
- Speed up market realization of innovation in the construction sector
- Streamline national and international funding opportunities and improve access to them for SMEs
- Provide better access to international networks, platforms and shared infrastructure for companies.
This steps on the demonstration of specific capacity which is key in public-private collaborations. EDIHs are expert pools who can support realization of policy measures is particular topics. Usually provision of expertise on multiple topics can be a trap for the realization of efficient and structured dialogue. By streamlining the dialogue into specific expertise of a private actor can maximise results and deliver long-lasting impact.

Target Groups:
All construction companies in the country
VET centers
Higher education institutions
Companies specialized in digital solutions for the construction sector
Research and innovation centers and infrastructure

Outcomes

Results of the project/initiative:
By taking the role of national integrator of science and industry in the process of transformation of the Bulgarian construction sector, the EDIH’s role in the implementation of the Strategy becomes central for achieving Strategic Objective 2 Sustainable and Competitive Construction Sector. The results and benefits achieved by the EDIH in this role are related to the fact that until 2030 the EDIH becomes:
- Main national provider of specialized capacity building formats in the field of digital technologies for the construction sector
- Main point for access to specialized research infrastructure and expertise for pilot testing of innovation and digital technologies aiming at faster market realization
- Main point of contact for information regarding funding mechanisms for SMEs in national and international programmes for pilot testing of digital technologies and implementation of innovation projects.
- Supporter for access to partner networks, innovation platforms and shared infrastructure
- Main orchestrator of the topics for collaboration between science and business with focus on digitalization of the construction sector
Following the time horizon for implementation of the Strategy and the Roadmap, the timeframe of these activities stretches until 2030 (well beyond the funding period of Digital Europe) thus establishing solid public-private partnership between the EDIH and MRDPW in the realization of the national priorities. The activities are envisaged to be co-funded by Research, Innovation and Digitalization for Smart Transformation Programme 2021-2027. Additional sources of funding will be sought in the process incl. from the national budget.
As a result of the strategic inclusion of the EDIH in construction in the implementation of the National Strategy for Digital Transformation of the Construction Sector 2030 and more specifically in Strategic objective 2 Sustainable and competitive construction sector, the following societal and economic impact is expected:
- Increased competitiveness of the Bulgarian construction sector within the single market by implementation of innovation adoption processes, BIM, access to research infrastructure and funding
- Implementation of green and digital technologies in the construction sector by exploiting the active role of the EDIH in the realization of the Strategy through dedicated services
- Stimulation of digitalization and innovation in the construction sector by facilitating the dialogue between science and industry and establishing links to international networks
- Massive inclusion of BIM in higher education through qualified academic staff, new curricula, available hardware and software for students, apprenticeships and internships in BIM-oriented companies for all 9 HEIs teaching construction disciplines in Bulgaria (3000 students annually);
- Reskilling and upskilling for the workforce – integration into VET system, functional web-based educational resources, interactive guidelines for the national BIM model
- Access to R&D infrastructure and expertise, consultancy to SMEs for access to finance, access to networks and partners for shared infrastructure, 2 pilot projects for BIM
- The digital transformation of the Bulgarian construction sector will trigger positive impacts on technological, social and economic level and will contribute to the achievement of the EU strategic priorities on climate neutrality, circular models adoption and sustainable development.
These socio-economic impacts directly link with the ambitions of the National Strategy Digital Transformation of Bulgaria 2020 – 2030, Impact Area 15: Territorial development, which defines the digitalization of the construction sector as a main driver for boosting the principles of circular economy, energy efficiency and reduction of carbon emissions in Bulgaria.

Replication of Good Practice

Training/skills, Transfer of knowledge, Outreach

Organisation & Contact

Organisation:
Employer Organization / Business Representation

Name of Organisation	EDIH in Construction (EDICS), coordinated by the Bulgarian Construction Chamber
Town/City	Sofia
Coordinator E-Mail	m.nakova@edih-construction.bg
Coordinator Website	https://www.edih-construction.bg/en/home
Name of The Person Responsible	Maria Nakova