Opportunities for Integration of Artificial Intelligence in Economics Teaching: Need to Increase Teachers’ Digital Competences

The introduction of more and more diverse opportunities for improvement and modernization of all spheres of human activity raises a number of questions related to the adaptation of man to technologi- cal progress. The subject of various research and analyses is how modern technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) can be used as efficiently as possible in education. Logically, the question arises – are teachers prepared for their new role in the age of AI? This paper examines AI as an opportunity for transformation of economics education in secondary educa- tion, as well as the need to increase teachers’ digital competencies for its more effective integration. National and international frameworks have been studied and the results of current empirical research among Bulgarian teachers have been analyzed. Specific applications of AI in economic education are indicated and guidelines for increasing digital competences are outlined. The main objective of the study is to explore the possibilities for in- tegrating AI in economics education in secondary education and the resulting need to increase the digital com- petences of teachers.