Artificial intelligence is no longer an abstract concept. It is rapidly becoming a core element of how economies operate and how people learn and work. The Bulgarian Industrial Association (BIA), coordinator of the “AI in Apprenticeship Mentoring” project, recently published an in-depth analysis highlighting the global acceleration of AI development, the implications for Europe and Bulgaria, and the urgent need for national-level strategic action.
While global investments in AI are soaring, expected to contribute over $15 trillion to the global economy by 2030, Europe is playing catch-up. Bulgaria, in particular, faces structural challenges: limited R&D capacity, a shortage of high-level specialists, and underinvestment in new technologies. And yet, with a targeted approach, the country can find its niche and become a regional hub for ethical, socially responsible AI applications.
The BIA analysis argues that AI is not just about automation, it is about transforming business models, public services, and education. In sectors ranging from healthcare to energy and finance, AI enhances decision-making, optimises systems, and enables new forms of value creation. But the transition comes with costs and requires rethinking how people are trained and supported to adapt.
This is where the relevance to mentoring becomes clear. As our project supports trainers and company mentors in developing digital and AI-related competences, we are contributing directly to the kind of long-term shift the analysis calls for. Through practical tools like our “Guide for Trainers and Company Mentors” and the pilot mentoring programmes now underway, we are helping to embed AI literacy and ethical practice at the point where learning meets work.
The full BIA analysis in Bulgarian is available here:
https://bia-bg.com/analyses/view/34190/
This article is adapted from:
Kasparyan, H. & Nedeva, M. (2025). ИИ: тенденции, регулации и сценарии за развитие. Bulgarian Industrial Association.
Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. No modifications have been made to the original analytical conclusions.