Information Society Development Strategy'2000-2001 Bulgaria

An Update for the Second Session of the Working Party on Industry and Enterprise Development - Geneva, March 19-21, 2001 by Dr. Georgi Stoev

The establishment of an integrated European market and the benefits of the new knowledge economy is essential in terms of increased choice, competition and lower prices for the European consumer. It is vital also that a new environment is created in which the European businesses can flourish and remain competitive in the global economy.

E-commerce legal framework directive (2001/31/EC) and its interaction with other countries' legislation contains steps to ensure that its implementation in the financial services area takes full account of the need to protect consumers and retail investors operating on-line within Europe. The main objective is to facilitate co-operation between the public and private sector and civil society in meeting the internet challenge. The second goal is to encourage cooperation between the regional economies in establishing greater economic and political stability.

1. General Information
  The Permanent Working Group on the Information Society Development Strategy (PWG) has been established by Decision No 1 from 06.13.2000 of the Coordination Council for Information Society (CCIS), on the grounds of Article 6, Letter of Council of Ministers No .73 from 05.03.2000 and is to continue the activity of PWG'99. In compliance with a Decision by CCIS, representatives of state bodies, public organizations, academic society and private business, participate in PWG.

The main task of PWG is to prepare a project on the actualization of the National Program for the Information Society Development (IS). Besides, CCIS has assigned to PWG the task of establishing Specialized Working Groups (SWG) at the Ministry of Economy (ME), the Ministry of Culture (MC), the Ministry of Education and Science (MES), the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC) and the National Statistical Institute (NSI).

PWG started work in July 2000 and till end-December it had four meetings. Among the first activities of PWG was to prepare and approve Regulations for the Organization and Activity of PWG, which had been adopted by the CCIS President. In accordance with the regulations, SWG at PWG have been established in MC, MES, MTC and NSI, to monitor, analyze and offer measures with respect to the development of the IS in different spheres. No measures have been undertaken to establish a PWG in ME.
2. Implementation of Program for Work of PWG in 2000
2.1. Up-dating of the National IS Development Program
  On 07.27.2000 a Draft Program of PWG's Work in 2000 was reviewed and adopted by a working group on the basis of written proposals made by PWG members, among which is the

Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, represented by Dr. Georgi Stoev.

With respect to the implementation of the PWG's main target a Draft was elaborated on the Up-dating of the National IS Development Program and sent for comment to all CCIS members, representatives of non-governmental organizations and the private sector. The negotiated Draft was submitted to the second meeting of CCIS in December 2000.

The updating of the National IS Development Program was synchronized with the e-Europe 2002 initiative - IS for everyone.
2.2. Legal Framework
  PWG took a decision on the establishment of a legal expert group chaired by Mrs. Nelly Ognyanova whose task was to elaborate stand on the legal framework for the development of information and communication technologies (ICT) and IS services. The expert group carried out two meetings and discussed the preparation of a draft bill on acquisition, installment and utilization of software by the state administration . As a result of the discussion, a Regulation on the Management and Control on the Utilization of Computer Programs by the State Authorities and Administration, was elaborated.
2.3. Stimulation of IT Sector
  One of the PWG tasks, concerning the stimulation of the IT sector, was formulated as
  • Measures on the improvement of business conditions in the information technologies sector.
PGW assigned to Ministry of Finance (MF) and Bulgarian Association for Information Technologies (BAIT) representatives started preparing a written proposal to the CCIS on the eventual measures directed towards the stimulation of the IT sector. So far, no agreement has been reached on this particular topic.
2.4. Regional Development
  The main activities related to regional development of the Program for PWG's work are the following:
  • Activities , related to regional development of IS, into the National Development Plan;
A letter was sent by MTC to the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works and to the Head of the Coordination Group at the Special Preparatory Program for Structural Funds of the European Union in Bulgaria, referring to the coordination procedure between the Strategy and the National Program on the IS Development, on one hand, and the National Plan for Economic Development 2000-2006, on the other.
  • Expanding of Bulgarian participation in the Cities Global Dialogue Initiative.
2.5. Labor and Social Policy
  According to the Program for PWG's Work in 2000, the main activity in the field of social policy was aiming the following:
  • Development of programs on including of disabled people in IS and on offering them information and communication services.
This task has not been implemented so far. The Social Aid Policy Support Project at the Ministry for Labor and Social Policy , financed by the Institutional Development Fund of the World Bank is being elaborated. This is an open system and the creation of programs for including of disabled people within the Information Society, may become part of this system, in case its normative side is arranged and respective financing is guaranteed.
2.6. Local Administration
  The main task of local administration , regarding PWG Program is:
  • Elaboration of models and principles for the development of municipal and regional centers for administrative legal, economic and IT services to citizens and companies.
The Municipality of Sofia has prepared a model for the modernization of the citizens' service organization in the administration structures of the Bulgarian capital.
2.7. Popularization of IS Ideas
  PWG activity is related to the organization and the participation in international and national IS forums. Among the most important events are Internet Fiesta; conferences; seminars and information days, organized under the auspices of CCIS and The Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Bulgaria took part in the exhibition and the conference on IS Technologies (Nice, November 6-8'2000). Following a PWG Decision, a working group was established for the preparation of the Bulgarian stand. The working group carried out considerable preparation work, related to ensuring of participants, information and advertising materials, as well as the necessary technical equipment for performing the demonstrations. The visitors of the stand were acquainted with the main trends in the IS development in Bulgaria and about the governmental policy in this field, with some of the successful projects on information technologies. They were also given information on the possibilities for finding partners and for participation in future projects.
3. Report on the Implementation of the SWG Main Activities
3.1. SWG in the Ministry of Culture ( MC)
  On 09.11.2000, a SWG in MC was established with the following main tasks:
  • Design of MC web-site (by December'2000).
  • Elaboration of a project on "Libraries and Cultural Houses: IS for Everyone"
  • Development of a management and control computer system for copyrights and et
  • Elaboration of a Gypsy Cultural and Information Center Project.
    The structure of such a center has already been outlined, financing is expected both from the budget and foreign donors.
  • Publishing of 7 national bibliographic data-bases in Internet of the St. Cyril & St. Methodius National Library.
This can be realized in case the necessary funds become available.

The MC has applied to the Council of Ministers for financing needed for the introduction of information technologies and for the implementation of National Program and Strategy for IS Development in 2001.
3.2. SWG in the Ministry of Education and Science ( MES)
  On 11.10.2000, a SWG in MES was established with the following tasks:
  • Ensuring of access to Internet and multi-media resources to all education units; adapting of school programs to the new requirements and teacher's training.
  • Preparation of regulations on submitting of new and second hand computer equipment, that can be utilized in schools and education institutions.

A working group was established on the elaboration and coordination with MF of the order and regulations on transferring ownership on computer equipment. The task of fitness monitoring and installation of licensed software, receiving, preservation, transportation and distribution of submitted equipment was delegated to MES.
3.3. SWG in the Ministry of Transport and Communications ( MTC)
  On 07.27.2000, a SWG in M T C was established with the following main tasks:
  • including of IS development projects to the priorities of the National PHARE Program

    A letter has been sent to Mr. Vladimir Kissiov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, containing an offer to include into the National PHARE Program priority spheres concrete activities, coordinated with the Strategy for IS Development and the Basic CCIS Activities Program in 2000.

  • Creation of prerequisites for the wide use of Internet services by the population.

    Measures have been taken for the establishment of an IS Popularization Center (ISPC). An agreement has been signed on the implementation of an ISPC Establishment and Development Project with the Applied Research and Communication Foundation. Regulations on the ISPC operation have been elaborated and coordinated and a Public Council has been adopted. The first IS Bulletin targeting the improvement of dissemination efforts about the IS role, has been published.

    The access to modern information and communication services of the population in less populated and remote regions is a basic condition for their revival and development. On October 27'2000, the second TV center in Rakitovo was opened and put in operation. Plans are for the opening of a third TV center (a satellite to that in the town of Septemvri) in the same region.

  • Analysis of the existing European and Bulgarian IT standards
  • Development of principles and regulations on the acquisition of names and domains and management of the national address Internet space
  • Elaboration of models and principles for the development of public centers for supplying of information and communication services and access to public information.
With respect to the three above-mentioned activities, themes have been formulated and contracts have been signed with different contractors.
3.4. SWG in National Statistics Institute (NSI)
  On 06.23.2000, a SWG in NSI was established with the following main tasks:
  • monitoring of the IT in Bulgaria
An investigation on the following theme was carried out: "Information-Technological Park in Administration ". The target was to outline the number, the structure and the main characteristics of the information basis in the administrative structures and their equipment with computers, hardware, etc.
  • BCCI through its network with its 27 regional chambers regularly disseminates information about current development of the e-environment. It is envisaged 4 seminars to be organised in four regional chambers to educate the management with the conditions for Electronic Business in Bulgaria. This will be realised within the lines of BSP Programme of PHARE, CAPE Project.
  • BCCI maintains close relations with the Bulgarian Branch Associations and has set up a Union of the Branch Associations at the BCCI. A comprehensive programme for e-commerce training of their members is under development.
  • BCCI organises regular Local Co-operation Initiatives with the Agencies for Regional Development.
  • BCCI contributes to the synergy and strengthening of the network effect in the provision of business-support services to SMEs through close co-operation with National EIC Network.

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OVERVIEW OF THE WORK PERFORMED IN THE PERIOD FEB.2000- FEB.2001

Publications:
      PARI-Daily
      Info Business News (Bulgarian/ English version/

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TASKS TO BE COMPLETED IN THE FOLLOWING MONTH


Main Objective

To help the countries of SEE to seize the opportunities presented by the new technologies and the SEED project

Development of comprehensive e- strategy for SEE and assistance to the SEEs drawing up and implementing national information strategies.


ECIC-BCCI is in a process of finishing the analyses of the current technical environment for e-business support and development of SEED project. The analysis covers the outgoing situation and objectives, the setting of the key-players and defining the SEED project approach for BCCI in 2001. This includes Dissemination of the goals of the project.

BCCI intends to improve the technical environment concerning the further development and support of SEED project. The following steps shall be undertaken along with the SEED project requirements: Improving the technical infrastructure, clarifying the strategy and the budget needs. Defining the IT landscape through participation and organizing events like the Internet fiesta in Sofia, March 1st-4th 2001, participation in ECE/UN Team of specialists for E-business development in Geneva and creating the organizational structure in order to enable the performance of the Network, interface structure and standardization in view of the SEED project. The project approach of BCCI includes also after the examination of the environment and defining the technical needs to develop a strategy, which can help the goals of BCCI regarding SEED dissemination. After defining and analyzing the gaps and improving the organizational structure, BCCI intends to make suggestions for further e-business solutions in 2001 .

Dr. Georgi Stoev, Member of the Executive Council and of the Board of Directors of BCCI

LINKS:
Name City Tel. # Fax. # E-mail address
GOCIS Ltd. Sofia (+359 2) 932 08 31 (+359 2) 73 82 14 Chavdar.Parvanov@gocis.bg
Internet Society Bulgaria Sofia   (+359 2) 980 64 31 isoc-bg@isoc.bg
Netage Solutions, Inc. Sofia (+359 2) 71 00 54 (+359 2) 70 53 40 mycareer@netagesolutions.com
Net IS Sofia (+359 2) 963 31 80   contacts@netissat.bg
Framfab Sofia     info@framfab.bg
WizCom Sofia (+359 2) 917 80 08 (+359 2) 951 54 62 info@wizcom.net
Express Consult Sofia (+359 2) 9 18 08   exco_sf@exco.com
ProSoft Sofia (+359 2) 73 02 31 (+359 2) 971 10 49 info@prosoft.bg
KPMG Bulgaria Sofia (+359 2) 980 53 25 (+359 2) 980 04 58 office@kpmg.bg
Orbitel Sofia (+359 2) 980 90 77 (+359 2) 980 42 58 sales@orbitel.bg
RighteNet Sofia (+359 2) 986 33 49   emalinov@rightnet.bg
MEGATEX Sofia     megatex-bg@attglobal.net
ML Systems Sofia     office@mlsystems.bg
Risk Electronics Sofia (+359 2) 731 173   office@risk.bg
Sirma AI Ltd. Sofia (+359 2) 981 00 18   sirma@sirma.bg
ACT Soft Ltd. Sofia (+359 2) 981 83 74   office@act-soft.com
Daisy Tech Sofia (+359 2) 68 95 51   daisytech@daisytech.com
Dir.bg Sofia     support@dirbg.com
BTC Sofia (+359 2) 68 13 90 (+359 2) 973 31 08 central.office@btc.bg
Bulgarian Industrail Association Sofia (+359 2) 980 9916 (+359 2) 987 26 04 office@bia-bg.com
BCCI Sofia (+359 2) 987 26 31 (+359 2) 987 32 09 bcci@bcci.bg
Glavbolgarstroy Sofia (+359 2) 957 10 88
571 53 03		 (+359 2) 957 32 12 mbox@glavbolgarstroy.com
Toplivo Sofia (+359 2) 987 76 55
987 98 55		 (+359 2) 987 40 18  
Zlatni piasaci Varna (+359 52) 35 53 91 (+359 52) 35 55 87  
Sofarma Sofia (+359 2) 936 09 73 (+359 2) 936 02 86 sopharma@ttm.bg
Kraft Jacobs Suchard Svoge 931 00 20
910 11		 953 30 20  
Emko Sofia (+359 2) 62 49 81 (+359 2) 62 49 81  
Moststroy Sofia (+359 2) 24 47 92 (+359 2) 24 52 31  
MOTO-Phohe Slivnitca 98 42 22 22 252 11 98 42 23 33 motopfoe@ford.bg
Astika Ltd. Haskovo   (+359 38) 6 11 23  
Electroimpex Sofia (+359 2) 87 83 01 (+359 2) 980 02 72  
Chimimport Sofia (+359 2) 980 16 11 (+359 2) 981 36 64  
Cabelsnab Sofia (+359 2) 931 12 78
31 00 04		 (+359 2) 931 12 38  
Putstroy 92 Sofia (+359 2) 963 43 41 (+359 2) 963 11 54  
Automotor Corporation Sofia (+359 2) 955 98 98 (+359 2) 955 91 51  
Putkomplekt Sofia (+359 2) 62 28 24 (+359 2) 68 30 88  
Vulcan Dimitrovgrad (+359 391) 2 43 26 (+359 391) 2 35 12  
Energia Ltd. Targovishte   (+359 601) 2 65 14  
ELEXIM Sofia (+359 2) 920 05 20 (+359 2) 920 08 74 elexim@inet.bg
NIKMI Sofia   (+359 2) 962 54 94  
Interbrands Marketing Sofia (+359 2) 292 10 05 (+359 2) 920 08 26  
Petrol Cart Service Sofia (+359 2) 943 30 78 (+359 2) 44 20 98  
Geotechmin Sofia (+359 2) 965 01 32 (+359 2) 965 02 22  

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Draft Project

Title:
Bulgarian Virtual Market

General Targets:
Impeding the development of small and medium-size companies and the country's tourist sector. Assisting the development of E-trade and achievement of higher level of security and credibility in electronic payment.

Immediate Target:
The creation of a free web-based system for facilitation of contacts among potential consumers and sellers through IS - technology and additional logistic modules guaranteeing supply flexibility and mobility.

Grounds:

Project Activities:
Project activities have been divided into four basic modules:

  1. Pay-free web-based supply of trade products and tourist packages. Training of Bulgarian specialists by German advisors in the field of advertising and offering of products through Internet. Joint development of the national reservation system on Internet - with reservations and on-line payment.
  2. Training of our experts with the aim of creating a national advisory network, which in turn would prepare small and medium companies for trade and services offering through Internet. Courses for small and medium-size enterprises.
  3. Creation of a logistic product for preservation and delivery of goods to any country's point in shortest term possible, on the basis of the resources available, conditions of transport, storage capacities and existing distribution networks. Development of common standards for Internet trade .
  4. Training of experts and joint development of an electronic payment system through Internet.

Regime of Operation and Management
The services offered by The Bulgarian Virtual Market Project will be free for small and medium-size companies and for tourist firms. They will include the project's four modules elements and payment will be needed only for those parts which are related to delivery of outer services (for example, delivery of goods, etc.) .

The project and each one of its four modules will be managed by the National Youth Initiative Foundation in collaboration with German advisors.

Continuity:
January'2002 - December'2004

Expected Results:
Pay-free, web-based system facilitating contacts among potential consumers and traders, using IT - technology and additional logistic modules to guarantee flexibility and mobility of supply. Stimulation of the development of small and medium-size companies, trade and supply of goods and services in the country.

Organization:
The National Youth Initiative Foundation has been established in 1998 by a group of young people having different professional and social experience, brought together by the common mission to assist and develop the public sector and supported by BCCI.