From 24 to 26 September 2026, the University of Economics – Varna hosted the International Conference on Economics, Business and Management (ICEBM 2026). Held this year under the theme “Navigating Change: AI-Driven Economies, Innovation, Entrepreneurial Growth and Green Transitions,” the conference brought together researchers from universities in Bulgaria and abroad, doctoral students and business representatives, both on-site and online, to exchange ideas on current issues in economics, management and technology.

At the official opening, participants were welcomed by the Rector of the University of Economics – Varna, Prof. Evgeni Stanimirov, and by the Minister of Education and Science, Prof. Georgi Valchev, who was a guest of the University.

During the plenary session, Prof. Stanislav Ivanov, from Varna University of Management presented the principles of robonomics. Prof. Özge Eren, from Istanbul Esenyurt University discussed the role of knowledge and data analytics, while Assoc. Prof. Mihail Busu, from the Bucharest University of Economic Studies addressed artificial intelligence, innovation and sustainable business.

The scientific sessions covered two broad thematic areas: digital transformation, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies; and sustainable development, entrepreneurship and economic change. Sixty eight Nearly 70 research papers were presented, addressing topics such as the application of artificial intelligence in management, education and marketing, cyber risks, the circular economy, climate policies and financial markets.

A special place in the programme was dedicated to the doctoral research session. Young researchers presented studies in the fields of digital marketing, organisational management, cybersecurity, sustainability and the application of artificial intelligence. The programme also included a discussion with Dr Arthur Kordon on combining human expertise and artificial intelligence in research, as well as practical advice on publishing academic research from Hristina Sherbanova, a representative of Clarivate.

Alongside the scientific sessions, the ICEBM Excellence and Innovation Forum was held, focusing on the links between science, business, education and innovation. The Forum was officially opened by Mr Svetoslav Stamenov from ICT Cluster – Varna, who welcomed the participants and guests. Dr Arthur Kordon presented the concept of hybrid intelligence, while Georgi Malchev spoke about heuristics, artificial intelligence and consumer behaviour. Representatives of Dentaprime, DO BG and Top Print also took part in the presentations and discussions, while the University of Economics – Varna presented its project for developing Bulgaria’s first reference budgets, with a pilot implementation in the city of Varna. In this way, the Forum linked topics such as brand development and business processes, the application of AI agents and open-access academic publishing with current research initiatives that have direct public relevance.

The afternoon round-table discussions focused on the research laboratories of the University of Economics – Varna, the interaction between artificial intelligence, education and business, and the application of immersive technologies.

Two of the afternoon round tables were held in a hybrid format, with participants joining both online and in person. The session “AI, Secondary and Higher Education, and Business” included Prof. Silvia Parusheva from the University of Economics – Varna, former Minister of Education and Science Prof. Galin Tsokov, three representatives of the Institute of Education under the Ministry of Education and Science, as well as academics and administrators from the European Union and the United States.

The round table “AI, Extended Realities, Education and Business” brought together specialists from Bulgaria, the European Union and the United States. Contributions by Rob Thierot, well known among educators working with virtual and augmented reality, were of particular interest to the conference and its audience. Bulgarian experience in the field was presented by Prof. Rumyana Papancheva from Burgas State University.

In the concluding part of the ICEBM Excellence and Innovation Forum, representatives of MDPI Romania presented opportunities for publishing academic research in specialised open-access journals.

The discussions brought together researchers and practitioners from Bulgaria and abroad and provided an opportunity to explore possibilities for future joint initiatives.

The conference was organised by the Research Institute at the University of Economics – Varna in partnership with IStanbul Esenyurt University, the Union of Economists in Bulgaria, and the Institute of Education under the Ministry of Education and Science. The event was held with the financial support of the Bulgarian National Science Fund.

Photos from the event are available in the gallery accompanying this news article. Video materials and full recordings of the plenary session and the ICEBM Excellence and Innovation Forum are available on the University of Economics – Varna YouTube channel.

29 Sep 2026