Artificial intelligence
How AI adoption changes productivity, innovation and the labour market.
NSF contract No. (to be added)
The new trilemma of post-pandemic Europe
Artificial intelligence, digital economy, economic development
We study how the three forces shape one another across the European Union, and whether an economy can advance on all three at once.
The three shares always add up to 100%: when one grows, another gives way. The chart is an illustration, not research data.
Digital economy
Digital connectivity, skills and new economic models, and the inequalities between them.
Economic development
Sustainable growth, competitiveness and social inclusion across the EU.
The project in brief
Since the pandemic, European economies have been digitalising faster than ever, while artificial intelligence moves into production, services and government. The gains are not shared evenly: some countries and regions pull ahead and others fall behind.
ArtInDIGECDevelopment studies the relationship between artificial intelligence, the digital economy and economic development as a trilemma. The team combines bibliometric analysis, a survey of digital literacy, econometric models and legal analysis to produce policy recommendations.
Results in numbers
Only confirmed figures are shown, each for the stated reporting period.
- survey respondents
- 418
- Stage 1
- research publications
- 20
- Stage 1
- international award
- 1
- Outstanding Paper Award
- work packages
- 2
- Stage 1 – completed
About the project
- Official title (Bulgarian)
- Изследване на новата трилема в постпандемична Европа: изкуствен интелект – дигитална икономика – икономическо развитие
- Official title (English)
- Investigating the new trilemma in post-pandemic Europe: artificial intelligence – digital economy – economic development
The project treats artificial intelligence, the digital economy and economic development as interdependent processes. Progress in one does not automatically bring progress in the others: rapid technology adoption can widen inequalities, and without digital skills the economic effect stays limited.
The research covers the member states of the European Union in the period after the COVID-19 pandemic and combines quantitative and qualitative methods.
Main goal
To study and measure how artificial intelligence, the digital economy and economic development interact in EU countries after the pandemic, and to formulate evidence-based policy recommendations.
Specific objectives
- To map the literature on AI, the digital economy and development through bibliometric analysis.
- To measure digital literacy through a survey and a dedicated index (DLI).
- To assess digital inequality between countries, regions and social groups.
- To model the link between AI adoption and economic growth.
- To analyse the legal framework and derive policy recommendations.
Research questions
- Can an economy advance on all three dimensions of the trilemma at once?
- Which factors explain differences in digital literacy?
- How does AI regulation affect innovation and growth?
Research hypothesis
Artificial intelligence, the digital economy and economic development form a trilemma: simultaneous progress on all three is possible only with deliberate policies on digital skills, access and regulation.
- Scope
The member states of the European Union, with a particular focus on Bulgaria and comparisons with selected countries in South-East Europe.
- Methodology
Bibliometric analysis of the literature; a survey and a Digital Literacy Index (DLI); econometric modelling of the link between AI and growth; comparative legal analysis.
- Expected impact
New empirical evidence on digital literacy and inequality, publications in indexed journals, a practical research guide and recommendations for public institutions.
Stages and work packages
Each work package is shown with its current status.
Stage 1
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WP 1 Completed
Theoretical framework and bibliometric analysis
A systematic literature review and a map of research strands.
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WP 2 Completed
Survey and Digital Literacy Index
A survey of 418 respondents and development of the DLI.
Stage 2
-
WP 3 In progress
Econometric modelling: AI and growth
An empirical assessment of the link between AI, digitalisation and economic growth in the EU.
-
WP 4 Planned
Legal analysis, recommendations and guide
Comparative legal analysis, policy recommendations and a practical research guide.
Team
Researchers from South-West University “Neofit Rilski” working in economics, finance and law.
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Research staff
Assoc. Prof. Mariya Paskaleva, PhD
Principal investigator
Associate Professor, South-West University “Neofit Rilski”
Research interests: Finance, digital economy, economic growth
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Research staff
Name Surname
Researcher (sample profile)
Academic position, South-West University “Neofit Rilski”
-
Research staff
Name Surname
Postdoctoral researcher (sample profile)
Academic position, South-West University “Neofit Rilski”
-
Research staff
Name Surname
Early-career researcher (sample profile)
Academic position, South-West University “Neofit Rilski”
-
Administrative support
Name Surname
Administrative support (sample profile)
South-West University “Neofit Rilski”
Research results
The main strands in which the project delivers results. Only approved, aggregated data are published.
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Bibliometrics
A map of the literature on AI, the digital economy and development: leading topics, authors and journals.
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Digital literacy and the DLI
A Digital Literacy Index computed from a survey of 418 respondents.
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Digital inequality
Differences in access, skills and use of digital technology between groups and regions.
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AI and growth
Empirical estimates of the link between AI adoption and economic growth.
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Legal analyses
A review of the European and national legal framework for AI and digital services.
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Recommendations
Policy recommendations for public institutions, business and education.
Publications
Papers and conference contributions from the project, with full bibliographic details.
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2026
Примерна публикация: заглавие на статия по проекта
Паскалева, М. и съавтори. Наименование на изданието, том, брой, страници
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2026
Примерна публикация: доклад от международна конференция
Автори. Наименование на конференцията, място, дата, страници
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2027
Примерна публикация: статия в подготовка
Автори
No publications of this type.
News and events
Conferences, public lectures, awards and team appearances.
Public lecture with Prof. Gancho Ganchev, PhD
On 10 June 2026 a public lecture with Prof. Gancho Ganchev, PhD, was held as part of the project.
Outstanding Paper award for research on the digital economy
A study by the team on the digital economy in Bulgaria and Albania received an Outstanding Paper award.
Participation in research conferences
Team members presented project results at research conferences.
Resources
Approved materials for download: methods, questionnaires, presentations and reports.
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Coming soon
Digital literacy questionnaire
The survey instrument used in the study.
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Coming soon
Algorithm for computing the DLI
Methodological notes on computing the Digital Literacy Index.
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Coming soon
Assessment matrices
Assessment matrices developed in the project.
Gallery
Photos from project events, grouped by album.
Public lecture by Prof. Gancho Ganchev, PhD
. Sample images – real photos are added once rights are cleared.
Research conferences
Sample images – real photos are added once rights are cleared.
Contact
For questions about the project, its results and opportunities to collaborate.
South-West University “Neofit Rilski”
66 Ivan Mihaylov Str.
2700 Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria
- Principal investigator
- Assoc. Prof. Mariya Paskaleva, PhD
Funding
The project is funded by the Bulgarian National Science Fund at the Ministry of Education and Science. (Sample wording – the approved text is to be provided.)