Intelligent automation is taking over the industry

Intelligent automation and artificial intelligence are now among the main drivers of the global economy. Industrial AI solutions and digital ecosystems have become a key growth tool from a technology perspective. The market exceeds $200 billion and is expected to double by the end of the decade – a sign that AI is not just a trend, but a fundamental transformation of business models in almost every sector.

Corporations are accelerating at an unprecedented rate

According to Schneider Electric, the use of AI environments in business has increased by almost 80% in the past five years. By 2025, the number of employees who rely on AI tools in their daily work will be three times higher than in 2020.

Major industrial software providers – ABB, Emerson, Honeywell, Schneider Electric and Yokogawa – are already building intelligent ecosystems that allow enterprises to analyze data in real time, increase efficiency and achieve new levels of sustainability. From automotive to pharmaceuticals to urban planning, automation has become an undeniable catalyst for growth.

Energy is also entering the AI ​​era

The sector, traditionally more conservative towards new technologies, has made a sharp turn. Companies such as ADNOC are already introducing AI agents for refinery management, production optimization and more accurate infrastructure maintenance.

The top 20 energy corporations in the world have clear AI strategies — a sign that the industry expects artificial intelligence to become a key element of modern energy systems.

AI infrastructure becomes a national priority

The initiative is already at the country level. The G7 countries, China, India and almost all OECD members are building their own national AI platforms and supercomputing centers. Denmark, for example, introduced the Gefion supercomputer – an infrastructure dedicated to developing powerful AI models.

The technological race is global — but increasingly open and accessible to countries that act purposefully and strategically.

Automation in Bulgaria?

Studies among businesses in our country, including those by Siemens Bulgaria and GBITK, show something important: companies clearly realize that digitalization is a path to growth. Yes — the pace may be slower than in leading economies, but the business setting is changing. More and more companies are investing in automation, management software, industrial solutions and integration of AI tools.

The good news?

Bulgaria has all the prerequisites to catch up much faster than expected:

• an excellently positioned IT industry;
• a strong engineering and technical potential;
• a rapidly growing interest in AI on the part of enterprises;
• access to European programs for digitalization and modernization.

Yes, some of the strategic documents sometimes do not actively include business and the innovation ecosystem enough, but this is also changing — more and more companies, organizations and institutions are seeking dialogue and offering specific solutions.

TPA Bulgaria

+359 2 981 66 45/46/47

office@tpa-group.bg

128, G.S. Rakovski str, floor 2

1000 Sofia