Original article General Economics and Teaching

SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND DIGITALIZATION IN POST-COVID-19 EUROPE

Gancho Ganchev - South-West University "Neofit Rilski"
Mariya Paskaleva - South-West University "Neofit Rilski"
Kalina Durova - South-West University "Neofit Rilski"
Yordanka Noneva-Zlatkova - Chief Assistant at the South-West University “Neofit Rilski”, Faculty of Law and History
Received: 17 Jun 2025
Revised:
Published:
Downloads: 0
Citations: 0
book 2/2025
JEL D02 L2 С92 M1 М5
DOI https://doi.org/10.56497/etj2570201

Abstract

The present article addresses a problem which is an extremely important, relevant, and under-researched topic. As a whole, Europe lags behind China and other technologically advanced countries in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalization; Bulgaria is among the worst places in the EU in terms of digitalization of the economy. This research contributes to understanding the social and economic significance of digitization and AI in the EU after COVID-19. The emergence of artificial intelligence in the socio-economic landscape of EU member states, coupled with accelerated digitalization, heralds a new era in their development which is anticipated to enhance productivity, innovation, and efficiency. This article aims to study and analyse the theoretical foundations as well as empirical and legal developments concerning the socio-economic effects of Europe's "digital decade" and the applications of AI in a post-pandemic era. SWOT analysis was conducted to pinpoint the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and recommendations associated with the use of AI in EU countries. Conclusions and recommendations are provided for implementing suitable state interventions, transforming the pandemic's challenges into growth through new technologies, and helping to achieve a high standard of living in all EU nations.

How to cite this article

Ganchev, G., Paskaleva, М., Durova-Angelova, К. & Noneva-Zlatkova, Y. (2025). Socio-Economic Impacts of Artificial Intelligence and Digitalization in Post-COVID-19 Europe. Economic Thought Journal, 70 (2), 139-171. https://doi.org/10.56497/etj2570201

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