Prof. Dessislava Petrova-Antonova, GATE’s Future Cities Lead, represented the Institute in the B40 Balkan Cities Network Summit, hosted in Sofia. She took part in the panel discussion “Smart Governance in the Balkans: Cities as Catalysts for AI and Tech Innovation.”
The session explored key strategies for leveraging artificial intelligence, big data, and digital transformation to enhance city management, improve public services, and create thriving tech ecosystems that attract top IT talent. The discussion also addressed ethical AI adoption, data privacy concerns, and the role of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in developing smart city infrastructure.
The event brought together leaders, policymakers, and experts from across the region to discuss the future of urban innovation, sustainability, and regional cooperation. Established as a premier regional platform for collaboration, the summit serves as a catalyst for fostering closer ties between local governments, encouraging dialogue, and developing joint solutions to shared challenges in areas such as economic growth, green transition, and digital transformation. With 73 cities from 12 countries participating, B40 is shaping the urban future of the Balkans through knowledge exchange, strategic partnerships, and forward-thinking initiatives.
Prof. Petrova-Antonova emphasized the impact of PPPs in urban development, highlighting their ability to bridge the gap between government limitations and private-sector innovation also pointing out key areas where AI-driven solutions can make a difference:
“One of the most impactful areas of collaboration is smart mobility, where AI-driven traffic management systems can reduce congestion and enhance public transport efficiency. In energy, smart grids developed through PPPs improve distribution and integrate renewable sources, making cities more sustainable.”
Additionally, Prof. Petrova-Antonova discussed how Artificial Intelligence is transforming urban development, making cities more efficient, sustainable, and resilient. GATE’s Sofia Urban Digital Twin serves as a prime example of how technology can enhance urban planning through data insights and predictive analytics.
GATE’s participation in B40 highlights the institute’s dedication to advancing data-driven urban innovation. Through its Digital Twin of Sofia pilot, GATE is pioneering AI-powered simulations that allow city planners to optimize urban development, enhance mobility solutions, and improve decision-making processes. Additionally, the institute is leading the way in establishing Bulgaria’s first Urban Data Space, a groundbreaking initiative designed to foster secure and efficient data sharing between public and private stakeholders, ensuring more transparent and effective governance.