International Scientific Journals
of Scientific Technical Union of Mechanical Engineering "Industry 4.0"

This paper examines how new security technologies could reshape Bulgaria’s critical infrastructure resilience while simultaneously creating new vulnerabilities and dependencies. Bulgaria’s modernization, pursued through EU and NATO frameworks and supported by initiatives such as the Defense Innovation Center, promises stronger protection against evolving threats. Yet these same pathways embed risks, from reliance on external vendors and standards to design-level weaknesses such as expanded cyber attack surfaces and system complexity. Adopting a prospective, scenario-oriented approach, the paper argues that resilience and dependency develop in parallel, and that anticipating this paradox will be essential for shaping Bulgaria’s future security strategy.

This paper examines the prospective role of Bulgaria’s newly established Defense Innovation Center at Sofia Tech Park in strengthening critical infrastructure resilience. Designed in line with NATO and EU standards, the Center is expected to test emerging technologies and develop prototypes, with an initial focus on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and advanced defense systems. The analysis adopts a conceptual approach, outlining potential applications of these dual-use technologies across the energy, communications, cyber, and transport sectors. It also highlights key risks, including funding sustainability, dual-use dilemmas, and continued dependence on external technological ecosystems. By situating the initiative within the broader NATO and EU innovation landscape, the paper underscores both the opportunities and uncertainties of integrating defense-driven innovation into national resilience strategies.

Security as a scientific category represents one of the pillars of the theoretical foundations of modern society, with its significance manifested not only in the protection of the state and its institutions but also in the preservation of the stability and integrity of human communities. Contemporary concepts of security reflect both its absolute and relative dimensions, highlighting the necessity of an interdisciplinary approach that encompasses political science, sociology, psychology, and technical sciences. Within this framework, the issue of psychological resilience of crisis managers emerges as a critical factor, as they face extraordinary events and ensure the functioning of key security systems. The aim of this paper is to present the strengthening of psychological resilience among crisis managers as a significant determinant for enhancing the effectiveness of crisis management and the functioning of security structures. The theoretical background is grounded in a problem-solving approach to security and in a social systems perspective, both of which emphasize the capacity of individuals and organizations to respond to dynamic threats. Methodologically, the contribution draws on the concept of resilience, which in the field of security studies connects individual competencies with the institutional framework of crisis management. Psychological resilience is perceived not only as a fundamental individual need but also as a prerequisite for sustaining the democratic functioning of the state and its institutions. Strengthening resilience through systematic education, training, and the implementation of innovative methodologies supports the prevention of burnout, improves the quality of decision-making processes, and enables the effective management of crises. The paper concludes by formulating the basic principles of building resilience systems as an integral component of the theory of security, with particular emphasis on the links to national interest, the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms, and the preservation of state sovereignty.

Albania has significant water resources, yet seasonal fluctuations and inefficient usage increasingly threaten these. This study examines the repercussions of changes in the hydrological cycle on the country’s land and ecosystems, as well as the broader social, economic, and environmental pressures. Through qualitative and quantitative analyses of industrial and agricultural practices, alongside the effects of urban population growth, we highlight how these factors exacerbate climate change impacts on water resources. Specifically, we investigate shifts in water quality and quantity, alterations in precipitation patterns, and the intensification of temperatures, evaporation, humidity, and soil aridity. The National Strategy for Water Resources Management (2018–2027) aims for sustainable water usage and improved quality across all resources by 2027, while also addressing disaster risks associated with droughts and floods. However, Albania faces escalating challenges in water resource management, impacting both supply and demand. Climatic trends indicate a decline in rainfall and river flows, particularly during summer, as well as increased soil dryness and more frequent extreme weather events. Currently, hydropower plants generate nearly 90% of the country’s energy, further straining water resources. According to the SPEI Annual Drought Index, by 2100, Albania is projected to face a marked decline in precipitation, compounded by heightened dryness and reduced moisture levels. Recent data shows that the number of days exceeding 20°C has doubled and tropical nights have tripled compared to historical averages. Over the past three decades, floods and landslides have accounted for significant economic losses, with 40.2% and 33.5% of damages respectively. To address these challenges, urgent and long-term measures are required, including the sustainable management of water resources, modernization of distribution networks, and enhanced water efficiency to mitigate waste.

Critical infrastructure can be exposed to disruptive events and incidents caused by external or internal impacts. Some of these events are internally system-manageable, but others must be addressed through the additional application of appropriate security measures, which can be implemented through security systems.
The development of critical infrastructure security systems requires a careful definition of overall requirements, which in general is directly related to ensuring business continuity by determining the resilience of critical infrastructure elements. This publication presents in a systematized form the author’s experience in applying resilience assessment results as inputs to the development of CI security systems.

This paper explores the pivotal role of technology and innovation in enhancing the resilience of Bulgaria’s critical infrastructure. It examines the integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, digital twins, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), cyber-physical systems (CPS), and big data analytics in sectors like hazardous waste management, border security, and airport security. By analyzing case studies and current implementations, the paper highlights the successes and challenges faced in adopting these technologies. The study also discusses the importance of public-private partnerships and regulatory frameworks in fostering an environment conducive to technological innovation. The findings underscore the necessity for continuous investment in technology to safeguard critical infrastructure against emerging threats and to ensure long-term sustainability.

The Green Transition, aiming for a sustainable and eco-friendly future, plays a crucial role in ensuring societal security. As the world grapples with climate change and environmental degradation, the Green Transition offers a pathway to address these challenges while fostering societal cohesion and resilience. In Bulgaria, the Green Transition is not just an environmental endeavor but also a means to counter disinformation narratives and foreign authoritarian influence. This paper examines Bulgaria’s efforts in the Green Transition, its implications for societal security, and the challenges and opportunities it presents.

The identification and protection of critical infrastructure (CI), which provides essential services for the national and European markets, especially in key sectors of the economy, requires priority measures to be taken to increase its resilience. The concept of resilience is closely related to the ability of a CI to prevent, defend against, respond to, withstand, mitigate and absorb, adapt to, or recover from risk events. Here, both the organizational measures and the technical part of the security systems, developed according to the specifics of CI, play an essential role.
In this regard, this publication presents the framework of the author’s view on the relationship between organizational resilience and CI security.

Aim of this report is to provide practical hints on how to evaluate the concept of Resilience in the domain of Critical Infrastructures (CI). The common understanding is that today best practices address cyber / physical protection of CI at the best they can, with traditional static and iterative solutions, trying to stop all possible known threats at the border of the single CI’s assets or CI’s full perimeter, ready to start with procedures of disaster recovery and business continuity in case of failure stopping external threats.