CHALLENGES IN INTRODUCING INNOVATIONS IN THE  VETERINARY SECTOR IN BULGARIA

Borislav  Borisov; Iliyan  Kostov; Gergana  Nikolova

doi:10.2478/eoik-2023-0017

Authors

Borislav Borisov University of National and World Economy, Sofia, Bulgaria
Iliyan Kostov Risk Assessment Center on Food Chain, Sofia, Bulgaria
Gergana Nikolova Department of Food Quality and Safety and Veterinary Legislation, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2478/eoik-2023-0017

Keywords:

digitalization, veterinary sector, demography

Abstract

The digital transformation enters all spheres of public currently. At the same time, it does not take place at the same pace and scale everywhere. Bulgaria delays behind the most European countries in terms of the levels of the Digital Technology Penetration Index (DESI). In the presented research, the reasons for the delaying of digitization are sought, especially in the veterinary sector. In this regard, the subject of the present work is the introduction of special digital technologies to help the veterinary doctors. The aim is to reveal the reasons for the delay and to identify recommendations for a more successful introduction of modern software products and platforms in the veterinary sector. An online survey was conducted among 211 veterinarians of different professional categories and veterinary students, which revealed the main problems before the introduction of innovation and digitalization, taking into account that one of them is the aging of the veterinarians employed in it. The recommendations are made to increase their computer skills and digital competence through training, to emphasize the possibilities of digital innovation in the education of veterinary students, to develop special software products to assist veterinary professionals and the benefits for the veterinary sector are outlined from the introduction of digital innovations.

Author Biographies

Borislav Borisov, University of National and World Economy, Sofia, Bulgaria

Iliyan Kostov, Risk Assessment Center on Food Chain, Sofia, Bulgaria

Gergana Nikolova, Department of Food Quality and Safety and Veterinary Legislation, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria

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