SECURE CROSS-BORDER INNOVATION CLUSTERS IN INDUSTRY 4.0: A MODEL AND EMPIRICAL STUDY OF THE BURGAS–EDIRNE REGION
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.68302/std2026.vol2.67Keywords:
cross-border innovation clusters, cybersecurity, innovation ecosystems, digital transformation, Industry 4.0Abstract
This study investigates the development of secure cross-border innovation clusters within the context of Industry 4.0, focusing on the Burgas–Edirne region. The main objective is to develop and empirically demonstrate a conceptual and analytical model for evaluating the interrelationship between technological development, cybersecurity, trust, and entrepreneurial activity within innovation ecosystems.
The proposed framework integrates four core dimensions—technology level, security, trust, and entrepreneurship—and enables quantitative assessment through a composite Secure Innovation Cluster (SIC) index. The research methodology combines comparative regional analysis with a simulation-based empirical approach using realistic indicators for Bulgaria and Türkiye.
The findings indicate that although both regions demonstrate comparable innovation potential, significant disparities exist in cybersecurity maturity and trust levels, which directly affect the efficiency of cross-border collaboration. The study highlights cybersecurity as a critical enabler of sustainable technological entrepreneurship and the development of resilient innovation clusters in Industry 4.0 environments.
Supporting Agencies
The scientific research, the results of which are presented in this publication, was carried out under a project within the framework of the scientific research activity inherent to TU Varna, specifically financed by the state budget.Downloads
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