Connecting with the research and technology diaspora, establishing an Innovation Cooperation Office in the US, the national artificial intelligence strategy and hub, and the realization of partnerships for major digital transformation and research projects were the most important objectives achieved during the visit to which the delegation of the Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digitization, led by Minister Sebastian Burduja, carried out in San Francisco, Silicon Valley and Washington last week, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digitalization.

The official program was also attended by the PNL MP Marilen Gabriel Pirtea, rector of the West University of Timișoara and main organizer of the upcoming conference Smart – Diaspora, Timișoara 2023, HE Dan-Andrei Muraru, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Romania to the United States of America , but also representatives of the Romanian Embassy in Washington, the Romanian consulate in Los Angeles and the Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digitization.

„The visit I made to the USA came as a result of a strategic option adopted by the Romanian Government through a memorandum, regarding the establishment of the Romanian science and technology office in Silicon Valley. The objective of this approach at the zero point of global innovation is to attract smart investments for Romania and to connect with a community of brilliant Romanians eager to give something back to the country. Among the entrepreneurs in the area are also successful Romanians, unicorn founders, world-class researchers, Romanians with whom we will build this office and many other connecting bridges. Another major theme, present in most of the discussions, was related to Romania’s strategy for artificial intelligence, the AI ​​hub and all the steps we need to take to quickly catch up. We exchanged excellent ideas with interlocutors in the USA and established partnerships that will put us on the global map in the field.

Another major objective of the visit was the promotion of Romania’s major research projects, the best example being ELI-NP, the high-power laser on the Măgurele platform. We have had discussions with top US government officials and visited several research organizations from which we have a lot to learn. I detailed each visit in daily posts on social media, as a sign of respect for the Romanians. I thank once again Mr. Andrei Muraru, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Romania in the United States of America, for the impeccable organization of these days, my colleagues from the embassy, ​​consulate and Mr. Marilen Pirtea, the rector of the Western University of Timișoara”, said Minister Sebastian Burduja.

The US visit records a major potential for increasing the impact of US research and business resources for Romania regarding the transfer of business models and research technologies to Romania, in the field of innovation, new businesses in the field of artificial intelligence and cyber security, development of products and services in research – development at a high level.