Petko Georgiev is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Southeast Digital Innovation Hub (DIGIHUB) and the ICT Cluster Burgas. With over a decade of experience in the field of information technology and digital transformation, he is a key figure in the development of the technology sector in Southeast Bulgaria. Petko Georgiev leads innovation initiatives, cooperation between business and education, and supports small and medium-sized enterprises in their digital adaptation.
Petko is part of the competent jury of the upcoming hackathon on the topic of “Gamification of Schools”, which will take place from November 15 to 17 in Burgas. The event is being held at the initiative of Telerik Academy in partnership with Southeast Digital Information Hub, ICT Cluster Burgas and Burgas Free University and is part of the European initiative DigiEduHack. The task of the young talents will be to offer easy-to-implement tools/solutions that schools can use for more interactive and effective learning.
Can you tell us about the activities of Southeast Digital Innovation Hub? When did it exist, how was it created and what are its functions?
Southeast Digital Innovation Hub (DIGIHUB) was created to support the digital transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the public sector in the region of Southeast Bulgaria. Founded in 2020, DIGIHUB aims to promote innovation, offer access to new technologies and expertise, as well as support enterprises on their path to digitalization. Its main functions include providing training, consulting services and access to funding through European programs aimed at digital solutions.
Does Southeast Digital Innovation Hub cooperate with local authorities in terms of the city’s IT development and in what way?
Yes, DIGIHUB actively cooperates with local authorities, especially with the Municipality of Burgas, to support the development of IT infrastructure and innovation in the region. We work together on projects related to smart cities, such as the implementation of smart management technologies and improving digital services for citizens and businesses. One of our goals is to make Burgas an example of successful integration of digital technologies in the urban environment.
What are your observations on the development of the IT industry in Burgas? What can we expect in the coming years?
The IT sector in Burgas has been developing dynamically in recent years, with more and more companies and projects choosing the city for their IT activities. I expect this growth to continue, thanks to initiatives such as DIGIHUB and the active support of local authorities. In the coming years, Burgas has the potential to establish itself as an important regional innovation center, which will contribute to attracting new talents and investments in the IT sector.
What is the level of IT education in the city? Is there anything to improve?
IT education in Burgas is at a good level, and thanks to partnerships with academic institutions such as Burgas Free University and the Vocational High School of Computer Programming and Innovation, we support the development of skills needed for the IT industry. There is always room for improvement, especially in the direction of adapting curricula to the latest technologies and business needs, as well as in the implementation of more practical projects and training in new technologies such as artificial intelligence and gamification.
Additionally, the digital knowledge of business specialists is also developed by private training organizations, such as our partners at Telerik Academy. The Academy is not a substitute for formal educational institutions – schools and universities, but rather complements and builds on what is learned there. Training at Telerik Academy gives many people the opportunity to retrain and/or start a career in IT without necessarily having previous experience, but at the same time allows them to gain practical knowledge needed for business. Thus, people who have long graduated from university also get the chance to develop in the field of IT and contribute to the digitalization of business or quickly upgrade their skills.
How does Southeast Digital Innovation Hub cooperate with educational institutions?
DIGIHUB has long-term partnerships with educational and training institutions (such as Telerik Academy) in the region. Our goal is to connect the academic environment with business, so that students receive practical knowledge and skills tailored to the needs of the IT industry. We conduct joint trainings, workshops and organize events that engage young talents and give them the opportunity to work on real projects with leading specialists.
How does Burgas retain its IT talents and what are the key strategies in this direction?
To retain IT talent, Burgas relies on a combination of good living conditions, career opportunities and access to quality education and training. One of our key priorities is to create more jobs for IT specialists and encourage companies to invest in the city. DIGIHUB also plays an important role by providing access to new technologies and international projects, which helps specialists develop and stay in the region.
What do you expect to see from young talents at the upcoming hackathon on the topic “Gamification in Schools”, which will take place from November 15-17, 2024.
I expect to see creative and innovative ideas that offer new ways to introduce game methods into the learning process. Gamification can make learning more engaging and effective, and it will be interesting to see how young talents will use technology to transform the traditional approach to education. I hope to find fresh ideas and inspiration from young participants that can change the future of digital education.
Source: DevStyler
