Bulgaria ICT - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts (2024 - 2029)

Bulgaria ICT - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts (2024 - 2029)

The Bulgaria ICT Market size is estimated at USD 8.95 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 10.45 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 3.15% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

Bulgaria's ICT market is experiencing growth, driven by an increased emphasis on digital technology, cyber security, artificial intelligence, robotics, healthcare, and IT.

Key Highlights

• Bulgaria's ICT market is growing rapidly, propelled by various factors. The nation's skilled and economical workforce, bolstered by robust government backing and tax incentives, attracts substantial foreign investments. Additionally, rapid digital transformation, especially in finance, healthcare, and education, is driving the demand for advanced ICT solutions. Moreover, the growth of IT infrastructure, marked by the rise of high-speed internet and data centers, underpins the surge in cloud services, software development, and outsourcing, propelling Bulgaria's ICT market.
• Moreover, high internet penetration and digital literacy rates among Bulgaria's population drive increased demand for IT services. According to Eurostat, in 2023, the proportion of urban households in Bulgaria with internet access rose by 1.8 percentage points, marking a 1.97% increase from the previous year. This surge propelled the share of connected urban households to a record high of 93.07% in 2023, showcasing a consistent upward trend over recent years.
• The Bulgarian government, through initiatives such as the "Digital Agenda for Bulgaria" and the creation of the eGovernment State Agency, actively fosters the growth of its ICT sector. These endeavors focus on enhancing digital infrastructure, expanding e-government service utilization, and propelling the nation's digital evolution.
• In May 2024, the World Bank collaborated with the Bulgarian government on e-government and digital transformation initiatives. Expanding on their collaboration, World Bank specialists would collaborate with Bulgaria's Ministry of e-Government for the next 19 months. They would focus on establishing the strategic, organizational, and technical pillars for data governance and spaces. This includes evaluating data governance, availability, and quality within the public sector, providing suggestions for a National Data Strategy and Governance Framework compliant with EU laws, and assessing the feasibility of data spaces in key Bulgarian sectors.
• The increasing internet usage is fuelling the growth of the ICT market, elevating the demand for digital services and products. This rise in connectivity isn't just promoting the uptake of cloud computing, e-commerce, and digital communication tools; it's also catalyzing advancements in IoT, AI, and cybersecurity, addressing the escalating demand for a wide range of advanced online solutions.
• However, concerns over data security and privacy, coupled with the substantial CAPEX demands of advanced telecom infrastructure, are poised to hinder market growth opportunities throughout the forecast period.

Bulgaria ICT Market Trends

Cloud Technology is Expected to Witness a Growing Demand

• Bulgaria's ICT market is experiencing significant growth, driven by a surge in cloud technology adoption. Businesses are increasingly turning to cloud services and infrastructure, enabling them to enhance efficiency and scalability as they embrace digital transformation.

• Furthermore, the country prioritizes cybersecurity and data protection, which is driving investments in cloud technologies. This emphasis is attracting a diverse range of both local and global players, propelling market expansion. By placing a significant emphasis on security, Bulgaria is encouraging innovation and opening avenues for new applications and services.

• In November 2023, IBM introduced the IBM Sofia Accelerator program, a 12-week initiative tailored to empower Bulgarian startups. The program focuses on leveraging AI and Cloud technologies to accelerate innovative solutions for the enterprise market. The company has extended invitations to 10 startups to collaborate in co-creating industry-specific solutions. These solutions, powered by IBM technology, aim to foster innovation and deliver tangible value to businesses in healthcare, retail, telco, energy, utilities, and beyond sectors.

• Furthermore, as internet-connected households in the country surge, the demand for cloud technology is on the rise. Cloud solutions offer scalable storage and computing capabilities, given the increasing trend of multi-device usage within households. This, in turn, enables seamless data synchronization, further fueling the rise of remote work. This surge also drives the uptake of cloud-based services, like streaming, online gaming, and smart home technologies, all reliant on robust cloud infrastructures.

• According to Eurostat, in 2023, the percentage of Bulgarian households with internet access held steady at approximately 88.5%, mirroring the figures from 2022. Despite this stability, 2023 marked a notable high for internet penetration, matching the 88.5% seen in the previous year. This increasing number of households gaining internet access within the country is poised to substantially boost market growth opportunities.

The IT and Telecommunication Sector to Witness the Significant Adoption of Market

• Bulgaria's IT and telecom sector is witnessing significant growth, driven by widespread technology adoption. The economy and government actively promote digitalization, which is evident in investments across digital infrastructures, devices, software, and services. This digital shift has benefited users and paved the way for new business opportunities.

• The growth of Bulgaria's ICT market is driven by a rising need for IT and telecom services, which are crucial elements in the country's digital evolution. The growth of high-speed internet, coupled with the extensive embrace of 5G networks, has enhanced connectivity and catalyzed the swift proliferation of cloud computing, IoT, and remote work solutions.

• In November 2023, Infosys boosted its European presence and opened a proximity center in Sofia, Bulgaria, focused on advancing AI and cloud solutions for regional clients. Aligning with its strategy to enhance human potential by focusing on local talent, Infosys is set to open a new state-of-the-art center. This move not only allows Infosys to attract but also to re-skill and up-skill 500 new employees. These professionals will be immersed in global projects centered on next-gen digital technologies. These include Infosys Cobalt Cloud Solutions, Infosys Topaz AI & Automation, Data and Insights, IoT, 5G, and software engineering over the next four years.

• The IT and telecom sector in Bulgaria is experiencing significant growth, driven by the nation's increasing social media involvement. The rise in social media engagement is driving a notable increase in data usage, highlighting the demand for faster internet speeds and robust telecom infrastructure. According to StatCounter, as of May 2024, around 97.98% of the Bulgaria population used Facebook, whereas, in October 2023, around 96.86% of the Bulgaria population used Facebook.

Bulgaria ICT Industry Overview

The Bulgarian ICT market is moderately competitive due to the presence of significant players like Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), IBM, and Oracle Corporation. Players in the market are widely adopting strategies such as partnerships and product launches to enhance their overall product offerings and gain sustainable competitive advantage.

• February 2024: Evrotrust, a Bulgarian digital identity and trust services provider, recently secured a significant EUR 3.3 million investment. The funding was led by Silverline Capital, a private fund specializing in mezzanine and equity solutions for mid-market enterprises. This investment is assigned for Evrotrust's strategic expansion into new European markets, with a specific focus on broadening its reach into the retail and SMB sectors.

• December 2023: IKEA Bulgaria launched an Artificial Intelligence chatbot, "Sofia," leveraging Microsoft's advanced OpenAI GPT-4 technology. The initiative stems from IKEA's commitment to pioneering customer-centric solutions. By harnessing this advanced technology, IKEA aims to broaden its service offerings and enhance the overall shopping experience, ultimately saving customers valuable time.

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