Romania uses EU digital innovation hubs to accelerate AI in SMEs and public sector

At Romanian Digital Day in the European Parliament, officials presented EU Digital Innovation Hubs as a key tool for bringing artificial intelligence, digital skills and advanced technology testing to Romanian small‑and‑medium enterprises, local administrations and public organisations. Hub coordinator Bianca Muntean said the hubs translate European strategies into concrete services, emphasizing that “digital transformation does not start with technology adoption”. The Transylvania Digital Innovation Hub has already provided training, mentoring and innovation activities to more than 3,000 participants, raising the digital‑maturity level of supported SMEs from 47 % to 59 % in a year.

A study of 103 companies and institutions by digital‑transformation expert Alexandru Roja highlighted progress in overall digital maturity but identified a clear deficit in AI adoption, prompting the development of a transformation guide for managers and public decision‑makers. EU cohesion policy earmarks €1.6 billion for Romania’s digital transformation (2021‑27), and the country has added €600 million for digital innovation and deep‑tech through the STEP platform, underscoring the hubs’ role in narrowing regional gaps.