Boyan Zhekov

Assoc. Prof. Boyan Zhekov, PhD is an active faculty member at the University of Library Studies and Information Technologies (UNIBIT) in Sofia, Bulgaria, where he serves in the Department of Computer Science under the Faculty of Information Sciences. He teaches courses including Case Studies in Digital Transformation (SHEB609) and holds academic appointments at Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" and New Bulgarian University as a visiting lecturer.

• MSc in Information Technologies from Technical University - Sofia
• Specialized in IT and Economics across UK, France, Netherlands, South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan

His research focuses on the intersection of digital governance and emerging technologies, with significant contributions to Internet of Things applications in public administration, smart city ecosystems, and open data frameworks. His work demonstrates a consistent emphasis on practical implementations of ICT solutions for governmental modernization, particularly through EU-funded projects and national initiatives. Current projects examine IoT business models and startup ecosystems within smart city contexts.

Prof. Zhekov actively contributes to European research policy as a Horizon 2020 National Contact Point for Future and Emerging Technologies, ICT, and Secure Societies, while serving on the Programme Committee for ICT. His professional engagement extends to leadership roles in Japanese-Bulgarian academic networks including JICA Alumni Bulgaria and Nihon Tomono Kai.

• Member of Horizon 2020 National Contact Network
• Board member of Union of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Communications (SEES)
• President of JICA Alumni Bulgaria
• Vice President of JSPS Alumni Bulgaria

His advisory work includes technical ICT audits for EU-funded projects under Operational Program RCBIS (2007-2013) and development of sectoral information strategies for regional governance (2014-2020). Recent projects for the Ministry of Education analyze national research infrastructure roadmaps and map Bulgaria's scientific infrastructure landscape.