Industry Standards and Development
Software Engineering Institute (SEI)
SEI (Software Engineering Institute) is a U.S. research and development centre focused on advancing software engineering practices. Operated by Carnegie Mellon University, SEI provides technical leadership to help organizations improve their software engineering capabilities.
SEI Partner Network extends SEI’s reach by collaborating with authorized partners like ESI CEE. These partners deliver official SEI services, including those from the Team Software Process (TSP)/Personal Software Process (PSP) and Resilience Management Model (CERT-RMM) product suites. This network allows organizations to access SEI’s expertise and solutions more conveniently.
The CERT (Cybersecurity Emergency Response Team) division of the SEI is a one-stop shop for improving your organization’s cybersecurity posture. They conduct research on emerging threats and vulnerabilities, offer guidance and support during cyberattacks, and provide educational resources and training programs to build long-term cyber resilience.
ESI CEE as an SEI Partner is an authorized partner of SEI, allowing them to deliver official SEI services in areas like secure software development practices (CERT-RMM) and software process improvement (TSP/PSP). This partnership makes SEI’s expertise in both software engineering and cybersecurity more accessible to organizations.
ESI CEE is a Partner of the CMMI Institute, authorized to deliver official services of the CMMI Institute from the Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) product suite.
CMMI is a performance improvement framework that guides organizations in software and systems development, acquisition, and service delivery to create high-performance cultures.
Carnegie Mellon Institute for Software Research (ISR-CMU)
ESI CEE is collaborating with ISR-CMU, housed in the Carnegie Mellon School of Computer Science (SCS-CMU), especially in the field of software design and architectures. Our partnership has been part of the Software Engineering Management Program with leading Bulgarian universities, coordinated by ESI CEE.
Contact Point for e-Competence Framework (e-CF) in Eastern Europe
ESI CEE offers e-CF based services such as: mapping ICT related university curricula to e-CF and elaborating proposals for changes in ICT related university curricula according e-CF references; mapping ICT related lifelong learning vocational training curricula to e-CF; creating tools for bi-directional mapping and evaluation.
The CEN Workshop on ICT Skills is a network of experts representing the ICT industry, academic institutions, vocational Training organisations, ICT professional associations, social Partners and Research institutions. The Workshop aims to promote excellence in the ICT sector and strengthen the ICT Profession through the creation of relevant supporting standards that can be applied through Europe and around the world.
Contact Point for e-Competence Framework (e-CF) in Eastern Europe
ESI CEE offers e-CF based services such as: mapping ICT related university curricula to e-CF and elaborating proposals for changes in ICT related university curricula according e-CF references; mapping ICT related lifelong learning vocational training curricula to e-CF; creating tools for bi-directional mapping and evaluation.
European Skills, Competences, Qualifications and Occupations (ESCO)
ESI CEE is part of the Reference Group for ICT service activities in ESCO. Reference Groups develop the contents of the ESCO classification and are the most important contributors to the revision of ESCO. They are responsible for cross-sector skills and competencies, cross-sector qualifications and other cross-sector aspects.
National Collaboration and Regulatory Compliance
Bulgarian Institute for Standardization (BDS)
As a member of BDS, through our experts, ESI CEE participates in BDS/TC 57 Information and Communication Technologies and CEN/TC 428 Professions for Information and Communication Technology.
BDS is the national executive body for standardization in the Republic of Bulgaria. BDS develops, accepts and approves Bulgarian standards, and participates in the work of international and European organizations for standardization.
Bulgarian Association of Software Companies (BASSCOM)
One of the founders of ESI CEE, BASSCOM has ever been our reliable and preferred partner for increasing the competitiveness of the ICT industry in Bulgaria and the region and supporting the development of an Information Society and a competitive Knowledge Economy.
BASSCOM is the industry association of leading Bulgarian software development companies.
Foundation Bulgarian Cluster for Information and Communication Technologies (ICT Cluster)
Long-term partner in activities and projects aiming at ICT SME growth and development, building competitiveness and creation of new business opportunities.
ICT Cluster is a cluster initiative supporting the emergence and development of clusters in the filed of ICT in Bulgaria, recognized as one of the core centres of cluster knowledge in Bulgaria. It is a member of several European cluster platforms and networks.
ICT – European Software Institute Division (ICT-ESI)
ESI CEE has a rich history of promoting software quality and process improvement for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
Over the years, we’ve maintained a close collaboration with the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. This partnership has been instrumental in the development and ongoing maintenance of the ITMark methodology and certification scheme. ITMark is a recognized quality management framework specifically designed to address the needs of SMEs in the IT industry. By achieving ITMark certification, companies can demonstrate their commitment to delivering high-quality software and efficient development processes, ultimately increasing their competitiveness in the market.
National Agency for Vocational Education and Training (NAVET)
ESI CEE is a partner of NAVET in the efforts to ensure and maintain quality in the vocational education and training of young people and adults according to the labour market needs and the development of the Bulgarian economy competitiveness, supporting the implementation of coordinated policies for lifelong learning, continuing vocational training and introducing successful European practices, and development of State Educational Requirements (standards) for acquiring qualifications.
Entrepreneurship and Social Impact
Start It Smart is an entrepreneurship organization created to spread and develop the entrepreneurial way of thinking while supporting young people to start their own businesses.
Autism Association was founded in May 2003 by parents of children with autism spectrum disorders as a non-profit organization for the public benefit. Its main goals are to: protect the social and civil rights of children and young people with special needs (generalized disorder of psychological development and autistic spectrum disorders) and their families; help overcome the social exclusion and support the effective social integration of such children and young people.
Academic Partnerships
IICT – Institute of Information and Communication Technologies – BAS
The Institute of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT-BAS) is a Bulgarian research institute focusing on computer science and information technologies (ICT). Established in 2010, they conduct research, develop innovative ICT applications, and offer expert advice on topics like cybersecurity and digital transformation.
Bulgarian Defense Institute “Prof. Tsvetan Lazarov”
The Defence Institute “Professor Tsvetan Lazarov” is a Bulgarian scientific organization with recognition for its expertise in defence and security. The core activities include scientific research, training doctoral candidates, and expert services in areas critical to national security.
Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski
Bulgaria’s oldest and largest university is a key partner of ours. We work closely with both the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics (FMI) and the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration (FEBA). This collaboration allows us to tap into their expertise in computer science, IT, economics, and business for our projects.
New Bulgarian University (NBU)
A leading private university known for its innovative programs in IT and related fields, likely offering Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
Plovdiv University Paisii Hilendarski
This is a prominent public university with a strong Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics, offering IT programs.
LEAD – e-Leadership Skills for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises project
This is not an educational institution itself, but a collaborative project aimed at developing leadership skills for professionals in small and medium businesses.
Balkanski-Panitza Institute for Advances Study (BPIAS)
ESI CEE has been partnering with BPIAS mainly in two directions – the organization of the annual International Summer School in Cryptography and Cyber Resilience CryptoBG in Oriahovitza, Bulgaria, and the organization and delivery of Lecture Series (a cycle of lectures aiming to present to the wide audience leading researchers from Bulgaria and abroad who work in various academic fields (humanitarian and social sciences, science, engineering).
Global Competitions and Recognition
The World Summit Award (WSA) is the global is a global competition demonstrating the local diversity and rich creativity of ICT use.
ESI CEE is organizing the national pre-selections of the World Summit Award (WSA) and World Summit Award Mobile (WSA-mobile) for Bulgaria. The WSA National Contest Bulgaria is aiming to:
- Inspire innovation and creativity on a local level;
- Select exceptional content to present Bulgaria on a global scale;
- Create a network of passionate experts on a relentless search for outstanding digital content;
- Promote the WSA and the United Nations Millennium Development Goals;