Artificial intelligence and how it will affect the labour market and the economy of Bulgaria has been a hot topic for the Economic and Social Council in recent years. The work of the advisory body was presented to the XX International Interdisciplinary Research Conference “Intelligent Future, Artificial Intelligence in Education, Economy, Business and Management” by the Chairperson Zornitsa Rusinova.
The IBS event is a forum for researchers in the social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, humanities and industry to communicate and disseminate their latest advances and research results related to artificial intelligence and its application.
ESC focuses on the technology that is already changing the economy in its opinions “The Future of Work: the Challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution”, “Digital Transformation in Bulgaria – Challenges and Opportunities in the Context of Europe’s Digital Future”, “Digital Bulgaria: Policies, Measures and Challenges”, “The Role of Artificial Intelligence in the Management of Human Capital and Working Conditions of Workers through Digital Platforms in Bulgaria”.
In October 2024, ESC adopted “Analysis of the expected effects of the impact of artificial intelligence on the labour market in Bulgaria. Proposals for concrete measures to overcome the problems”. One of its conclusions is that the new technology has transformative potential by offering new job opportunities while changing existing roles. However, it also raises risks, including increasing inequalities, job losses due to automation, income disparities and ethical concerns around workers’ rights and data protection.
“To mitigate the risks of job losses, policies should prioritise the retraining of workers affected by automation. Businesses need to be encouraged to invest in employee training to prepare the workforce for the changing nature of work. These are just some of the recommendations made by employers, trade unions and civil society organisations in the analysis adopted by ESC,” Zornitsa Rusinova told the conference.
ESC stresses that education and skills development are crucial, and priorities are increasing digital literacy and integrating AI skills into education and vocational training programmes. The growing impact of AI on the workforce and economy requires regulatory frameworks, national bodies and the promotion of expertise in high-risk sectors.
Collaborative efforts with all stakeholders, including social partners and civil society, are essential during this process. This will ensure that provisions are inclusive and effective, workers’ rights are guaranteed and ethical challenges are successfully addressed, the Chair of ESC stressed. In this regard, ESC is developing an analysis on “The age of artificial intelligence: a balance between regulation, economic efficiency and social justice” to be considered by its Plenary.
A Memorandum of Cooperation between ESC and IBEW was also signed during the conference. Both parties agreed to cooperate at expert and scientific level on topics of common interest. Lena Gaidarska, President of IBEU, pointed out that the information from the analyses and opinions of ESC would be useful and relevant for the education of students at the university, while Zornitsa Rusinova welcomed the inclusion of the youth perspective in the work on the acts of the Council.
