The IT&C sector has become an essential pillar of the Romanian economy in the last two decades, interim President Ilie Bolojan said Wednesday in a message sent to the second edition of the international summit organised by the Employers’ Association of Romania’s Software and Services Industry (ANIS).
The message was read out by Dragos Anastasiu, honorary presidential advisor for the relationship with the business community.
„I consider it essential to emphasise how important your contribution is to the development of modern and connected Romania. The fact that this summit has already reached its second edition shows not only consistency but also increased interest in a strategic area. It is a signal that digital transformation, innovation and technology are not only themes for the future, but realities that shape our present. In the last two decades, the IT&C sector has become an essential pillar of the Romanian economy. With over 250,000 professionals, a contribution of approximately 7% of GDP and exports of services exceeding EUR10 billion, annually, the tech industry in Romania is an example of dynamism, competence and entrepreneurial spirit,” the message reads.
According to Bolojan, ANIS plays a central role in this landscape – as a promoter of innovation policies and a supporter of digital education, with the subjects discussed this year being „essential”: artificial intelligence – with a major potential and a commensurate responsibility; innovation financing – a catalyst for the growth of Romanian startups; cybersecurity – a condition of stability in an increasingly vulnerable digital environment.
„At the same time, technology is no longer the exclusive prerogative of the IT industry. It becomes a transversal engine of development, with an impact on health, education, industry, agriculture and administration. And digital transformation can no longer be seen as a simple modernisation process – it is a courageous leap into the future. This direction is also supported at European level – through the Draghi and Letta reports, which advocate for massive investments in technology.”
The interim president added that „Romania has all the premises to become a regional technological hub, provided that we treat innovation as a foundation of economic development.”
„We know, of course, that the pressures on the industry are real, including in the fiscal field. We understand the difficulties created by the recent legislative changes and we listen to the voice of this sector. Romania needs a balanced budget, but also smart policies that keep it attractive for talent and investment. We need a common vision: to move from a digital economy based on outsourcing to a model centred on intellectual property, innovative products and scalable Romanian brands. This objective cannot be achieved without a coherent national strategy, without interinstitutional coordination and, above all, without trained human capital. Investment in digital education, collaborations between universities and industry, public-private partnerships – all are vital. Young people, women leaders in technology companies, overseas Romanians who return or invest in the local ecosystem – they are the discreet heroes of this digital future. It is our responsibility to support them and to offer them real conditions for development.”
Saying that Romania has a dynamic and innovative IT&C community, Bolojan added that „we must keep it strong and involved in shaping public policies” because Romania „is a strategic partner, not just an economic contributor.”
AGERPRES
