Goal – the aim of the article is to present the Bulgarian economic situation and development for the last 20 years. The observed trends reasons are indicated, the factors are derived and the socio‑economic consequences for the country are determined by statistical data analysis on manufacturing, labor resources, education, healthcare, employment, unemployment and income of the Bulgarian population. Research methodology – standard research methods are used for the article’s purposes such as: analysis and synthesis, critical analysis, comparative analysis, inductive and deductive method. Score/results – as a result of the analysis of the main macroeconomic indicators for Bulgaria, conclusions are reached about the vulnerability of the small economy and the existing risks in its development. At the same time, the available internal reserves are presented, which can be used to balance risks and increase the potential for economic growth. Originality/value – the article presents the author’s vision for the economic development of Bulgaria along with the related problems and opportunities, based on the official statistical information.

Human capital is one of the main factors in the development of the modern economy. Its condition and trends are determined by the specific conditions in each country. The purpose of this report is to examine the extent to which the different political and socio-economic conditions in Bulgaria and Russia affect the main characteristics of human capital. The analysis of the state of human capital is presented in quantitative and qualitative aspect. Quantitative characteristics are mainly related to changes in the population, its age structure and the state of its health. The educational level of the population and the quality of the educational training are considered in a qualitative aspect. The comparative analysis shows that Bulgaria and Russia have many similarities regarding the state and development of human capital, but the differences prevail. In Bulgaria, the population, as well as labor resources, are rapidly declining, and in Russia the changes are in a positive direction. Russia still manages to maintain a good quality of education, and Bulgaria is retreating from its good positions. On this basis, it is concluded that the different political and economic conditions in the two countries form a specific profile of their human capital, but generate similar problems. This imposes the need for rapid and effective measures aimed at modernizing education and health care systems, changing the funding model and its results, as well as adapting external models and policies to national specifics and traditions.

The trend towards digitalization of processes in the modern economy through the use of information and communication technologies, modifies the models of carrying out business activities. Professions are changing as activities become more and more technology-intensive. This makes the use of digital technologies a key element of workforce training.As a result, digital transformation radically changes the labour market. It affects the quantity of job positions and the quality characteristics of workforce. These changes pose the question of developing the digital skills and competences of working people, especially those of young people who are about to start their career. This problem is particularly relevant given the fact that youth unemployment is a serious challenge both at national and European level.The analysis outlines the possible obstacles regarding the labour market inclusion of young people through a self-assessment of their digital competences. Emphasis is placed on the skills that economics students must develop or improve in order to meet the demands of the labour market in Bulgaria. This is an important condition for their professional realization.The self-assessment of skills and the awareness of the shortage of digital skills with students will facilitate the process of developing a vision for improving their digital literacy. The ability to identify the necessary skills in perspective is the basis on which to build the education system in Bulgaria. The latter can ensure the readiness of young people to realize in the labour market. However, the pace of development of new technologies suggests that the skills required will continue to change for all job positions, making life-long learning a vital necessity.

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