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BG

PRIME MINISTER BORISSOV IN VIENNA: THE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION BRINGS A LOT OF OPPORTUNITIES, BUT ALSO CHALLENGES FOR THE LABOR MARKET AND THE ECONOMIES

18.12.2018

 

"We are witnessing the digitization of the economy all over the world. A process that is  called 'Industry 4.0,' and experts define as the contemporary Industrial Revolution. And like every revolution, it brings a lot of opportunities, but also challenges for the labor market and the economy as a whole," said Prime Minister Boyko Borissov in his speech at the EU-Africa High Level Forum that took place in Vienna under the auspices of the Austrian Presidency of the Council of the EU.

 

The meeting is organized under the slogan "Taking Cooperation to the Digital Age." It was opened by Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, the President of Rwanda and the African Union  Paul Kagame, and the European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker. The aim of the forum is to contribute to the promotion of innovation and digitization as important factors for the future development of the two continents.

 

In his address, the Bulgarian Prime Minister stressed that digitization has a great impact on our countries and societies because it transforms products, processes, and business models in all sectors - from construction and healthcare to agriculture and tourism. The World Economic Forum forecasts that, after 2020, 90% of jobs will require digital skills. "It was not by chance that these were a key element of the program of the Trio Estonia - Bulgaria - Austria and a priority of the Bulgarian Presidency," said Prime Minister Boyko Borissov. He stressed that education is at the heart of every economy and the wellbeing of the citizens. "This is the reason why Bulgaria will invest 50 million euro  from the Operational Programs in the 'Education for Tomorrow' project in the next two years, explained Prime Minister Boyko Borissov. The project focuses on the digitization of secondary education and aims аt the creation of open educational resources, digital skills training for teachers and students, information campaigns on digital competences, media literacy, and cyber security.

 

"The implementation of new digital technologies in all spheres will help the development of African economies and the achievement of the EU-Africa goals," said the Bulgarian Prime Minister. He pointed out that all this was a prerequisite for time-based education and high levels of literacy on both continents.