ACETI keeps the positive experience on digital transformation of Moldovan companies
The Association for the Development of Electronic Communications and Innovative Technologies (ACETI) is aligning with European practices by adapting the European tool for assessing the digital maturity of companies in the regions of the Republic of Moldova and implementing such a tool. The initiative is part of the project “Digital Maturity in Innovative Regions”, funded by the Government of Switzerland and Helvetas through the OPTIM project.
Business digitization is essential for the success of companies in a changing economic environment. It helps streamline operations, reduce costs and make strategic decisions through rapid data analysis. It also enables rapid adaptation to market demands and improves customer experience. Digital transformation drives innovation and expansion into new markets, while providing increased security.
Against a backdrop of intense competition and an accelerating pace of transformation, operational efficiency is becoming vital for companies to survive. Adapting to digital realities brings multiple benefits: automating processes, reducing costs and errors, and quick access to useful data for strategic decisions. In addition, digitization facilitates flexibility, personalization of services, access to new markets and stimulates innovation, all of which contribute to business competitiveness.
A positive background which must be valorized
Over its more than 5 years of activity, ACETI has accumulated extensive experience in the digital transformation of SMEs, including a rigorous assessment of their current situation and needs in terms of digital transformation.
This has become possible, also due to the fact that the association brings together more than 20 companies with quality specialists in different kinds of IT activities: software programming, network infrastructure provision, telephony/internet service provision, cyber security provision, hardware, IT education and consultancy, etc.
ACETI has assisted several dozens of companies in their digital transformation, several of which have already benefited from various funding programs and are successfully implementing innovative digitization/business technologization projects.
As an example can serve “Cuptorul Fermecat” from Balti, a company with almost 25 years of experience in confectionery, pastry and bakery, is a leader in supplying raw materials to local producers.The company benefited from a feasibility study carried out by ACETI, which recommended the implementation of a modern information system to improve business management, including the ordering and distribution process.On the basis of this study, ACETI supported “Cuptorul Fermecat” in obtaining funding for the development of this system.
ACETI has also facilitated SRL “Igan-Grup” to obtain financing for an innovative walnut processing line, which optimizes the entire production process. Thanks to these investments, the company became more competitive on the market and created 50 new employment opportunities.
Positive experience needs to be continued
An effective digital transformation requires a mechanism to assess the current state of digitalization and digital transformation needs of companies. In other words, this mechanism needs to assess a company’s digital maturity – the extent to which it is adopting, integrating and leveraging digital technologies to improve its performance, processes, products or services.
The project implemented by ACETI comes as a logical continuation of the SME Digital Assessment Program launched in 2023 with the support of the OPTIM Project and implemented by ATIC.
The project implemented by ACETI comes as a logical continuation of the SME Digital Assessment Program, launched in 2023 with the support of the OPTIM Project and implemented by ATIC (National Association of ICT Companies). Out of the 40 companies registered, 10 were selected to benefit from digital assessment and personalized mentoring from experts. They received concrete recommendations for digitizing processes and participated in consulting and networking sessions aimed at accelerating digital transformation and collaboration among SMEs.
In order to ensure a systemic approach to this good start and to multiply its achievements on a larger scale, ACETI will implement, within the project “Digital Maturity in Innovative Regions”, funded by the Swiss Government and Helvetas, through the OPTIM project, a special tool dedicated to the assessment of digital maturity, adapted to companies in the Republic of Moldova.
The project aims to implement, validate and apply the digital maturity assessment tool adapted to the local context. It will take into account the specific needs of the local market and industry.
Through this tool, ACETI will help companies in the country’s regions to find out their level of digital maturity and to understand what steps need to be taken to become more efficient and competitive.
The tool is designed specifically for the realities of the Moldovan market, based on the European model, and will be accompanied by a simple user guide. It will enable SMEs to make better decisions on investments in technology and AI.
The project also aims to develop educational content, expand the network of specialists in digital maturity assessment and increase awareness and involvement of business in the digital transformation process.
The instrument will be implemented with the financial support of the Government of Switzerland (Swiss Cooperation in Moldova) and Helvetas Moldova, through the OPTIM Project.