ICCS is a research institute within the frame of Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS). It has more then 140 permanent academic staff. The Institute of Computer and Communication Systems was opened on August 1, 1994. It is a successor of a chain of institutes, most of which played a key role in the electronics, computerization and automation of the industry in the period 1970-1994.

Following a certain economical policy of the period, the Institute's activities are concentrating in the field of development, implementation and transfer of advanced technologies.

The main research aims of Institute of Computer and Communication Systems (ICCS) are based on the dynamics of priorities in European research in computer and communication systems, information technologies, object oriented programming, intelligent control, web-based architectures, signal processing and other areas of intensive research. Leading role is devoted to participation in the programs and initiatives of the Framework Programs of the European Commission. Among current priorities are - research leadership to M.Sc. and Ph.D. students, knowledge, know-how, technology and inventions production in the areas of computer systems, communication and information technologies.

According to the economical situation in the country the main activities of the Institute of Computer and Communication Systems are:

• Theoretical research of computer and communication systems
• Technological research of computer and communication systems: personal computers, parallel processing, multimedia applications, communications - fault tolerant techniques, field industrial networks, object-oriented programming
• Consulting and post-graduate education

The Institute comprises nine departments: Architecture of Computer and Communication Systems, Dependable Computer and Communication Systems, Hierarchical Systems, Integrated Systems for Digital Processing of Information, Intelligent Computer Technologies, Power Supply Systems for Computer and Communication Systems, Real-time Control Systems, Software Engineering and Inspection Body.