Digitalization Of Municipalities In Bulgaria - Successes, Challenges, And Future Opportunities

The Covid-19 pandemic became a catalyst for digitalization in many sectors, including the local government sector. Amid a deepening health, financial, and social crisis, municipalities were forced to adapt their operations and ensure continuity of services to meet citizens’ needs in conditions of social distancing. However, years after the official end of the pandemic, the digitalization process has still not achieved the desired results and is progressing at varying rates depending on the size and capacity of each individual local territorial unit. The aim of this study is to examine the main achievements of Bulgarian municipalities in the field of digitalization. The main challenges faced by local authorities are analyzed, including the lack of developed technological infrastructure, insufficient funding, among others. Opportunities for development and process improvement are evaluated. To achieve the set objectives, a survey questionnaire was sent to municipalities, containing questions related to key achievements in the field of municipal digitalization and the main barriers and risks to the development of the process. Based on the collected data, a SWOT analysis of digitalization in the municipal sector was conducted. In addition, a quantitative analysis of capital expenditures on software and other intangible fixed assets at the national and local levels was used, and based on this analysis, the financial capacity of municipalities for investment in the field of digitalization is partially assessed. The report reveals differences in the level of digitalization among various municipalities, as well as the need for targeted funding and training. The analysis provides a basis for developing guidelines and recommendations for national and local policies aligned with the goals of the Digital Decade Policy Programme (DDPP).