ACETI Secures International Validation for a New Digital Intensity Assessment Tool – A Milestone for Advancing SME Digital Transformation in Moldova
ACETI has achieved international validation for a newly developed tool aimed at assessing digital intensity in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Republic of Moldova. This milestone was reached during a study visit held on May 22, 2025, in Piatra-Neamț, Romania. The event, organized in partnership with Digital Innovation Zone (Romania), was part of the “Digital Maturity in Innovative Regions” project, funded by the Swiss Government through Helvetas Moldova under the OPTIM Project. It represents a crucial step in supporting the digital transformation of Moldovan companies.
Knowledge transfer and international validation
The study visit in Piatra-Neamț brought together experts from Romania and the Republic of Moldova interested in current digital assessment methods applied to SMEs. During interactive sessions, representatives from Digital Innovation Zone showcased several well-established European tools, which served as a source of inspiration for the Moldovan-developed tool.
In addition to the exchange of best practices, the visit played a key role in the international validation of ACETI’s tool – a first for the Republic of Moldova in the field of digital intensity assessment for SMEs. The tool was developed based on ACETI’s extensive experience in supporting digital transformation processes for SMEs, in collaboration with national and international experts.
“We succeeded in creating a tool tailored to the realities of Moldovan SMEs, while rooted in European expertise. This tool will provide companies in Moldova with a clear picture of their level of digitalization and help them take concrete steps toward digital transformation. SMEs will be able to precisely identify the areas where investments are needed and align more quickly with the demands of the modern market. We expect that the use of this tool will contribute to a more adaptable, connected, and competitive regional economy. Together with our partners from Helvetas, we are turning technical expertise into practical solutions for SMEs,” stated Ion Bodrug, President of ACETI.
A strategic tool for moldovan SMEs
The tool developed by ACETI aims to help enterprises understand the extent to which their internal and external processes are digitized. It evaluates the use of technological solutions in administrative, financial, production, human resources, customer relations, and online marketing activities. The primary objective is to provide a clear picture of each organization’s digital status and highlight the areas requiring modernization.
Covering all essential dimensions of digitalization, the tool has high practical value and functions as a digital diagnostic instrument. Following the assessment of digital intensity, enterprises receive a coherent overview of their strengths and areas for improvement. This information can be used to develop internal digital transformation strategies and serve as a supporting document when applying for non-reimbursable funding.
The results of the assessment can help company leadership define clear priorities, plan investments in technology, and better align operations with modern market demands. Furthermore, the tool can be used periodically to monitor progress in the digitalization process, making it a useful asset in adjusting and refining strategies.
Based on these results, SMEs can also understand how they position themselves relative to other companies in the same sector, allowing them to make more informed and competitive decisions.
A strong foundation for digital transformation and the transition to a digital economy
The tool developed and adapted by ACETI is a strategic instrument that supports the digital transition of enterprises in the Republic of Moldova. Its international validation marks an important step in the professionalization of this field in the region and paves the way for a coherent and sustainable digitalization of the business environment.
In the coming period, ACETI will collaborate with local and international partners to pilot this tool in several regions of the Republic of Moldova. As a result, the tool could become an integral part of a national strategy to support SMEs in their digital modernization journey.
Through this initiative, the Republic of Moldova is taking a significant step toward creating a robust support framework for digital transformation, offering local SMEs a clear, accessible, and efficient tool to navigate the digital economy.
The “Digital Maturity in Innovative Regions” project is implemented with financial support from the Government of Switzerland (Swiss Cooperation in Moldova) and Helvetas Moldova, through the OPTIM Project.
