Inspiration

21.11.2023 – 23.11.2023

TechXchange is a cutting-edge, three-day gathering of technology innovators and enthusiasts.

Join the event for an insightful exploration of the latest advancements in technology where you’ll:

Gain insights from industry experts, deepening your understanding of Data and AI, Automation, Security, Sustainability, Cloud, Infrastructure and Quantum

Participate in hands-on workshops to refine your skills and learn practical tips.

Network with fellow technical professionals, fostering valuable connections.

Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and innovations in IBM Software and Hardware Products

Find more about the opening key notes speakers and the agenda HERE

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The second edition of AI & I FACTORY: Challenge 2.0 is already in full swing after an exciting opening in Plovdiv.

The educational initiative, organized by the Digital National Alliance and AI Cluster Bulgaria, in partnership with the America for Bulgaria Foundation, aims to meet the leaders of tomorrow with the startup culture and the vast possibilities of artificial intelligence.

For two weeks, participants from different universities in Plovdiv will dive into the world of entrepreneurship, creating their own AI-based solutions with the help of mentors, experts in areas such as business development, design thinking, software engineering, cybersecurity and more.

The thematic areas in which students will work are:

• Health and Life Sciences
• Food technology
• Agriculture
• Industrial systems

Six teams have accepted the challenge and on 27 November in Plovdiv will face an expert jury, presenting their start-up ideas. Join us at NETWORKING Premium Coworking Spaces (PLOVDIV) for an entrepreneurial evening show.

The third edition of Powers Summit took place on November 7, 2023, at Sofia Tech Park. It gathered leaders of parliamentary political groups and their teams, along with executive government representatives, to find real-time solutions to key issues in dialogue with industry, civil society, and academia.

For the first time, the Powers Summit began with new “Prime Minister’s Session” and “Ministerial Sessions,” featuring the Prime Minister, Acad. Denkov, followed by the participation of the Finance Minister Asen Vassilev and ministers of energy, economy, education, healthcare, agriculture, and other high-ranking government officials.

This year’s “Bulgarian Davos” focused on healthcare, energy, sustainable development, and Brand Bulgaria – entrepreneurship, investments, and education.

Key priorities presented by industry organizations to the authorities can be found here.

The closing of Powers Summit 2023 was done by Vasil Terziev, who discussed Sofia 2027 with Dr. Plamen Russev, sharing his vision of the capital after the end of his first term.

In response to what he wants the brand of Sofia to be in four years, Mr. Terziev said that Sofia would become a city of great opportunities, a foundation for realizing dreams, and a beautiful environment for everyone to live and develop.

Watch the entire recorded program, divided by panels.

Powers Summit is co-organized by Webit Foundation and Digital National Coalition in partnership with all major representative organizations in Bulgaria’s industry, employers’ organizations, industry chambers, think tanks, and NGOs. Powers Summit has the media support of all leading media in the country. Strategic media partner – Nova TV

60% of white hackers view hacking as a career, and 61% are involved in learning and developing hacking tools with generative AI

A new report from HackerOne reveals that enterprises still view white-hat hackers with suspicion, even though they play a vital role in ensuring cyber security. The report states that 52% of cybersecurity professionals would rather accept the existence of undiscovered vulnerabilities than work with hackers. Furthermore, 60% of professionals believe that ethical hackers cannot be fully trusted. The lack of a clear channel for organizations to disclose vulnerabilities is cited as a major reason why hackers do not report the vulnerabilities they discover.

However, companies that follow best practices for disclosing security flaws benefit from collaborating with white hat hackers. Three-quarters of HackerOne customers say hackers have helped them avoid significant cybersecurity incidents. With the average cost of a data breach reaching $4.45 million, accepting the existence of vulnerabilities and allowing ethical hackers to test systems can build trust with customers and stakeholders and reduce the likelihood of costly security breaches.

Despite the challenges, hacking as a profession continues to gain popularity. The report states that 60% of hackers consider hacking a career, up from 41% the previous year. Additionally, 61% are involved in learning and developing hacking tools with generative artificial intelligence to more effectively uncover vulnerabilities.

Chris Evans, chief information security officer at HackerOne, says that while cybercriminals are causing significant damage, the majority of individuals engaging in hacking are law-abiding citizens seeking to make the Internet safer and earn a living. It is critical for organizations to overcome the stigma associated with hackers and provide clear channels for disclosing vulnerabilities. This will enable collaboration between white-hat hackers and companies, leading to improved cybersecurity measures.

In conclusion, despite the growing risks in the digital space, enterprises still view white hat hackers with suspicion. The lack of trust between organisations and hackers prevents companies from obtaining important information and exposes them to more risks. However, companies that follow vulnerability disclosure best practices benefit from collaborating with ethical hackers. Hacking as a profession continues to evolve, with hackers dedicating themselves to further developing their skills. It is essential that organisations bridge the trust gap and establish clear channels for vulnerability disclosure to improve cyber security measures overall.

Many companies claim to be using AI, but most are still in the early stages of deployment

According to a recent study conducted by edX, nearly half of the skills that today’s employees possess will not be relevant in just two years. This prediction is based on the opinions of 800 managers and 800 employees. The executives surveyed believe that 49% of the skills their managed employees currently possess will be obsolete by 2025. Additionally, 47% of these executives do not believe their employees are sufficiently prepared for the future workplace.

This finding isn’t surprising from an education platform provider, but what stands out is the short time horizon for skills obsolescence. Executives participating in the survey also believe that over the next five years, more than half (56%) of core knowledge worker roles will be eliminated due to the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence.

According to the survey, 79% of executives believe entry-level jobs will cease to exist as AI technology creates new roles for employees. Additionally, 56% of respondents believe their own jobs will be fully or partially replaced by AI. However, some industry leaders are skeptical of these predictions, suggesting that the immediate impact of AI on career goals will be minimal.

Richard Jefts, CEO at HCL Software, believes AI will redefine jobs and career prospects, but the exact impact on employees and their duties is uncertain. Frederico Braga, head of digital at Debiopharm, adds that it is difficult to predict when and where this shift will occur. The full impact of AI on the workforce remains to be seen, with opinions varying on the extent of its impact.

The tech industry has experienced a significant downturn in the past year, with over 400,000 job losses reported in 2022 and 2023, according to Layoffs.fyi. This has created a challenging job market for tech professionals, who are now competing for fewer positions with lower wages and limited opportunities for promotion. The IT sector has lost about 2.5% of its jobs in the past year, leading to increased job insecurity and longer tenures in current roles.

Major tech companies, including Meta, Google, and Amazon, have implemented extensive job cuts and hiring freezes. Although some laid-off workers have been rehired, such cases are rare and do not significantly offset the overall job losses. The layoffs are a consequence of the rapid growth experienced in 2020, when companies hired more employees than they could sustain.

The continuous decline in the tech job market has sparked anxiety among job seekers, prompting them to be more assertive in their search. This was evident at the Grace Hopper Celebration, an annual conference and career fair for women and nonbinary tech workers, where men flocked to the job fair in large numbers. The desperation to secure employment was palpable, with attendees running to the fair while being urged to slow down by event staff.

The tough job market has taken a toll on individuals like Carrie Groszewski, a computer science and economics student at Vanderbilt University. Despite following the recommended advice to gain experience through personal projects, internships, and club involvement, Groszewski feels discouraged as she approaches graduation without a job offer. Similarly, Nia McSwain, who hopes to transition from the hospitality sector to technology as a project manager, spends hours each day applying for approximately 40 positions. Although their efforts yield some interviews, securing a role remains challenging.

Tech professionals like full stack engineer Philip John Basil have been actively networking through platforms like LinkedIn and Discord in hopes of securing a contract. While he has had numerous interviews, he has yet to secure a position. The highly competitive job market has heightened job seekers’ determination and reliance on networking to increase their chances of finding employment.

Overall, the tech industry is facing a difficult job market characterized by job losses, hiring freezes, and increased competition for fewer positions. Job seekers are grappling with longer tenures in current roles, limited promotion opportunities, and lower wages in certain sectors. The desperation to secure employment has been evident at career fairs and conferences, with individuals going to great lengths to stand out among the competition. Despite their efforts, many remain discouraged and uncertain about their future in the industry.

Films, with their captivating narratives and compelling characters, have always been a powerful medium for teaching important life lessons. However, the significance of cinema extends far beyond mere entertainment. Films are, in fact, potent vehicles for imparting foundational societal values, especially in an age where digital technology has become an integral part of our lives. ARS Kino, a non-profit organization dedicated to the development of film education for children, understands the immense potential of cinema in teaching youngsters the values that underpin digital humanism. In a remarkable journey to the Giffoni Macedonia Youth Film Festival, ARS Kino continued its mission of using film as a tool for nurturing the hearts and minds of young individuals.

For the sixth consecutive year, ARS Kino had the privilege of participating in the Giffoni Macedonia Youth Film Festival, a celebration of the magic that cinema weaves in the minds of children and young people. The festival, known for its dedication to promoting cultural growth and multicultural communication, provided the perfect platform for ARS Kino to showcase the profound impact of films on the development of children and youth.

Stephanie Velichkova, the Chairperson of ARS Kino, played a pivotal role in the festival. She engaged in an in-depth conversation within the EPYC Project, an initiative focused on interactive education and the use of film as a tool to teach values. Stephanie emphasized the significance of fostering emotional intelligence, compassion, creativity, love, and peace through the medium of cinema. Her insights shed light on how films can serve as a vehicle to instill these values in young minds, creating a generation of emotionally intelligent and open-hearted citizens.

But ARS Kino’s involvement didn’t stop there. They had the honor of selecting two remarkable children over the age of 16 to join the international jury at the festival. This unique opportunity allowed these young participants to be warmly welcomed by local families and engage in an incredible cultural exchange. Such experiences go a long way in promoting cross-cultural understanding, breaking down barriers, and fostering friendships that transcend borders.

ARS Kino’s belief in the vital role of cinema in the cultural growth of children and youth is underlined by their mission: to enable young individuals to critically appreciate film art and embrace it as a direct path to becoming emotionally intelligent, open, and peaceful citizens of the world. The Giffoni Macedonia Youth Film Festival aligns perfectly with this mission, making it an essential part of ARS Kino’s annual calendar.

The heart of this journey lies in the recognition of films as powerful vehicles for teaching youngsters the foundational societal values that underpin digital humanism. Through compelling narratives and relatable characters, films offer an engaging and accessible platform for imparting values that are crucial for navigating the digital age responsibly and ethically.

Here are some of the key societal values central to digital humanism that are effectively conveyed through cinema:

1. Respect for Others: Films illustrate the importance of treating others with respect, both in physical and digital spaces. Characters who display empathy, kindness, and consideration in their online interactions serve as role models for youngsters, illustrating the value of respectful communication and behavior.
2. Privacy and Consent: Youngsters learn about the fundamental rights of privacy and informed consent as they watch characters grapple with issues of personal data, surveillance, and boundaries. These narratives emphasize the significance of respecting individuals’ privacy and obtaining consent before sharing personal information.
3. Inclusivity and Diversity: Films celebrate diversity and inclusivity, teaching youngsters to appreciate the richness of different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. These stories promote the idea that digital spaces should be welcoming and respectful of all, fostering a sense of belonging and unity.
4. Responsibility and Accountability: Characters in films often face the consequences of their actions, whether in the physical or digital world. These stories underscore the importance of taking responsibility for one’s behavior and understanding that digital actions can have real-world implications.
5. Critical Thinking and Digital Literacy: Films can inspire critical thinking by showcasing characters who use their intellect and digital literacy to decipher fact from fiction, identify misinformation, and make informed decisions online. This encourages youngsters to develop their analytical skills and become discerning consumers of digital content.
6. Social Justice and Activism: Movies featuring young activists using digital platforms for social justice causes demonstrate the potential for digital tools to effect positive change. These narratives inspire youngsters to become engaged citizens who use technology to advocate for equality and justice.
7. Mental and Emotional Well-Being: Films shed light on the importance of digital well-being and balance in the digital age. Characters who grapple with the consequences of digital addiction or unhealthy online behavior encourage youngsters to prioritize their mental and emotional well-being while navigating the digital landscape.

In summary, films offer a captivating and relatable way for youngsters to absorb and internalize the societal values that serve as the foundation of digital humanism. These values, when learned through the cinematic medium, help shape young minds to become responsible, empathetic, and ethical digital citizens who contribute positively to the digital world while respecting human dignity and well-being.

ARS Kino’s participation in the Giffoni Macedonia Youth Film Festival underscores the organization’s dedication to this mission. They believe that by promoting the values of digital humanism through cinema, they are not only nurturing the cultural growth of children and youth but also fostering a generation of responsible, compassionate, and empathetic citizens who will positively influence the digital world. Through their tireless efforts, ARS Kino continues to pave the way for a brighter and more harmonious future, where the magic of cinema becomes a guiding light for the next generation.

More companies will expand their teams in the next six months, according to a survey by the Bulgarian Employment Confederation

According to a survey by the Bulgarian Confederation of Labour (BCL), companies in Bulgaria will continue to hire additional people over the next six months, despite weaker demand for labour. All sectors will need more people, but IT firms will see the strongest demand. Employers are finding it increasingly difficult to find employees with the skills they need.

The labour market is forecast to remain stable over the next six months, with more firms planning to hire than those planning to downsize. The survey shows that the IT sector is expected to see the strongest employment growth, but is down 4% on the previous period. The hospitality sector had the largest decline, but employment growth expectations exceeded those for a decline there as well. Sofia has the largest projected growth in new hires, but also the largest decline from the previous survey.

In general, employment expectations are better in the transport, financial services and public sectors, as well as in the extractive industries.

Employers in Bulgaria are facing difficulties in finding qualified employees, while at the same time they are less willing to meet workers’ expectations for pay and development opportunities, according to a survey by the Bulgarian Confederation of Employers and Industrialists (BCZ). This calls for companies to look at their mandatory skills requirements and be prepared to train their employees on the job.

Due to the mismatch between supply and demand for skilled workers, many employers consider hiring foreign workers as an opportunity. About 57% of employers are willing to hire foreign workers if the procedure is easier and faster. At the same time, more than 140 thousand unemployed are registered in the labour offices, which requires structural changes and a thorough understanding of the reasons for the inactivity of these people.

This year’s research team focuses on personalised experiences, artificial intelligence, sustainability and the impact of regulations

A flood of ethical questions about artificial intelligence is flooding society today, and the need for balanced regulations is now more important than ever

When it was released last November, no one would have imagined what a phenomenal success the flagship product of leading AI startup OpenAI would be. Chat GPT outperformed the competition, such as Google’s Bard, by leagues. But will it be able to hold the lead?

Interest in AI technology remains high. Japanese tech investment company SoftBank has committed to OpenAI, providing them with significant financial backing. The basis of this commitment is OpenAI’s collaboration with Microsoft, whose Azure cloud computing platform provides the computing power they need. To receive this support, Microsoft will receive a significant portion of OpenAI’s future profits. It is vital for OpenAI to receive sufficient funding to develop increasingly sophisticated models. Training the newest model, GPT-4, is estimated to cost $100 million. It is interesting to note that OpenAI does not plan to develop their next major model (GPT-5), instead they will create a more economically used model, GPT-4.5. The main reason for this decision is that the cost of the models is an important factor and OpenAI is looking to balance its costs and revenues.

On the other hand, OpenAI is not a Chat GPT-only development company. Their main revenue comes from developing bespoke AI solutions for large corporate clients, such as investment bank Morgan Stanley.

OpenAI may have valuable advantages, but they don’t guarantee its dominance. The network effects that have helped big companies like Alphabet, Amazon and Meta become quasi-monopolies in the areas of search, e-commerce and social networking have yet to materialise. Despite the large amount of users, GPT-4 is not a significant improvement over the previous version six months ago. When optimized using user data, the overall performance of GPT-4 has changed in unpredictable ways and in some cases for the worse.

The struggle to be first in creating models is also met with drawbacks. For model builders, the biggest expense is experimentation, which often does not yield results before a successful model is trained. OpenAI is estimated to have lost $500 million last year, even though training GPT-4 alone cost only a fifth of that amount. In the world of artificial intelligence, news of failed ideas spreads quickly, helping OpenAI’s competitors avoid costly mistakes.

Ultimately, the market is projected to contain a few large universal models and a host of specific ones. If AI turns out to be what it is believed to be, the role of oligopolist could bring OpenAI a lot of money. And if its backers only really see some of that money once the company has created a human-like thinking machine, then all bets will be off.

In a new open letter, cybersecurity experts are calling for changes to the Cyber Resilience Act’s vulnerability disclosure requirements

European authorities are being urged to reconsider the vulnerability disclosure requirements outlined in the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) by cybersecurity experts. In an open letter signed by professionals from over 50 organizations, the experts argue that certain aspects of Article 11 will create new threats and undermine the security of digital products and users. The provisions, proposed by the European Commission last September, aim to introduce common cybersecurity requirements across the European Union (EU), including mandatory security patches and addressing vulnerabilities in IoT products. The intention is to enhance transparency, accountability, and consumer protection.

Under the new rules, organizations must disclose software vulnerabilities to government agencies within 24 hours of exploitation. This will lead to the creation of a real-time vulnerability database that includes all unpatched security flaws. However, cybersecurity experts argue that this information could place unnecessary risks on consumers and companies. They assert that consolidating all current vulnerabilities in one place may increase threats to organizations. Rushing the disclosure process may result in failed patches and additional pressure on security experts and software vendors.

The open letter highlights concerns that dozens of government agencies will have real-time access to comprehensive vulnerability databases, making them a tempting target for malicious actors. Rushing the disclosure process and widely disseminating information about vulnerabilities could disadvantage organizations and create opportunities for hackers. The experts suggest changes to Article 11, such as considering the significance of the vulnerability and the possibility of exploitation by cybercriminals. They recommend a risk-based approach and a mandatory reporting requirement of 72 hours of “effective mitigation” to minimize the risk of exploitation.

Cybersecurity experts also express concern about the impact of the disclosure requirements on collaboration between software vendors and researchers. The current form of the requirements fails to account for the time required to verify, test, and fix vulnerabilities before they are publicly disclosed. This could disrupt coordination and collaboration, ultimately impeding cybersecurity efforts.

This is not the first time these concerns have been raised. Similar issues were highlighted in a previous open letter by digital rights organizations in June, as well as in a joint statement by cybersecurity organizations. These previous calls for consideration emphasize the potential misuse of information that is widely disseminated.

In conclusion, cybersecurity experts are urging European authorities to reassess the vulnerability disclosure requirements in the Cyber Resilience Act. They believe that the current provisions pose new threats and undermine digital security. The experts propose changes such as a risk-based approach and a longer timeframe for disclosure to ensure a responsible and coordinated process. Concerns have also been raised about the impact on collaboration between software vendors and researchers, as well as the potential misuse of widely disseminated vulnerability information.

The list of innovations comes amid the EU’s efforts to protect its sovereignty in the face of China’s global rise