Powering Competitiveness: Energy, Infrastructure & Digital Innovation for Economic Transformation

Dear members of the AmCham Community,

The 2026 Global Innovation Summit will convene government, industry, and academic leaders in Sofia, Bulgaria on Tuesday, October 20, under the theme “Powering Competitiveness: Energy, Infrastructure and Digital Innovation for Economic Transformation.”

Co-hosted by the Global Federation of Competitiveness Councils (GFCC) and Glavbolgarstroy (GBS), the Summit brings together policymakers, business leaders, and innovation experts to examine the forces reshaping global competitiveness – from energy security and resilient infrastructure to artificial intelligence and the future of work.

Across a full day of programming at the Royal Hall, the Summit will feature keynote addresses, fireside conversations, and panel discussions spanning six core themes:

• Competitiveness
• Energy
• Infrastructure
• Digital Technologies
• Europe
• Innovation

Sessions will explore how nations can strengthen energy independence and modernize power grids, unlock the economic potential of infrastructure investment, accelerate responsible AI adoption, and translate national competitiveness strategies into measurable impact.