On November 28, a significant event took place at the Technical University of Moldova, where an important project named xDIH – Cross Border Digital Innovation Hub was presented. This initiative is the result of collaboration among the Gheorghe Asachi Technical University in Iași, the Technical University of Moldova, Digital Innovation Zone, and ACETI. The project is co-financed by the European Union under the Interreg NEXT program, which aims to foster cross-border cooperation between Romania and Moldova.
The xDIH project is designed to establish a digital innovation hub intended to enhance access to cutting-edge technologies and expert guidance. This hub will play a crucial role in supporting both educational institutions and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across both nations. By bridging the gap between advanced technologies and the needs of local businesses and universities, the xDIH initiative strives to boost the region’s overall digital landscape.
During the event, representatives from partner institutions underscored the strategic significance of the xDIH hub for the regional digital ecosystem. They highlighted the urgent need for cross-border collaboration and investment in digital infrastructure, essential for achieving sustainable development and innovation. Michelle Iliev, Moldova’s Secretary of State for Digitalization, and Ovidiu Viorel Naftanailă, the first collaborator of Romania’s Ambassador to Moldova, both spoke on the potential of innovation to aid in Moldova’s European integration.
Iliev pointed out that projects like xDIH are instrumental in providing the necessary tools and knowledge to propel Moldova’s digital transformation. He emphasized the critical role that digital infrastructure plays in enhancing economic opportunities, which can lead to significant progress in terms of employment and competitiveness in the European market.
Naftanailă also reinforced the idea that xDIH represents a tangible step towards modernization and the strengthening of ties between Romania and Moldova. He explained that, through collaboration in technology and innovation, both countries can work together more effectively, sharing resources, expertise, and experiences that can enrich their respective educational and economic frameworks.
The project is expected to create a nurturing environment for innovation that leverages digital technologies to stimulate economic growth and improve living standards. By focusing on both educational institutions and SMEs, xDIH aims to ensure that a broad spectrum of the population benefits from the digital transition.
Furthermore, the collaborative nature of the xDIH project enhances its potential for success. With multiple stakeholders on board, including academic institutions and innovation organizations, the project is set to foster an ecosystem that encourages sharing best practices, knowledge transfer, and the development of new technological solutions.
In conclusion, the xDIH project signifies an important milestone in fostering digital innovation and collaboration between Romania and Moldova. Through the establishment of this hub, both nations are taking proactive steps toward modernizing their digital infrastructure, thereby creating an environment conducive to economic growth and improved socio-economic conditions for their citizens. The initiative exemplifies the power of international cooperation in addressing common challenges and unlocking new opportunities in the digital age.
