The cross-border xDIH – Cross Border Digital Innovation Hub project was officially launched in Chișinău, marking a new step in strengthening digital skills in Romania and the Republic of Moldova.
The Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iași, the Technical University of Moldova, Digital Innovation Zone and the Association for the Development of Electronic Communications and Innovative Technologies (ACETI) have officially launched in the Republic of Moldova the cross-border project xDIH – Cross Border Digital Innovation Hub, a joint initiative co-funded by the European Union through the Interreg NEXT Romania–Republic of Moldova Programme.
The event, held on Friday, November 28, in the Aula Magna of the Technical University of Moldova, brought together representatives of public authorities, academia and innovation-driven organizations, marking the beginning of a cross-border collaboration aimed at accelerating the development of digital skills in the region.
The xDIH project was presented during the event by Daniela Pojar, Vice-Rector for Finance and International Relations at the Technical University of Moldova.
The project aims to create a cross-border digital innovation hub that will provide access to modern technologies, specialized expertise, laboratories and innovative educational programs. The hub will support both educational institutions and SMEs from Romania and the Republic of Moldova, contributing to the development of a joint innovation ecosystem.
Michelle Iliev, State Secretary responsible for digitalization, delivered a welcome message to participants, emphasizing the importance of close cooperation between institutions in Romania and the Republic of Moldova to accelerate digital transformation in the region.
Ovidiu Viorel Naftanailă, Senior Collaborator of the Ambassador of Romania to the Republic of Moldova, highlighted the essential role of innovation, digitalization and advanced technologies in Moldova’s European integration process:
“These are very concrete benchmarks on the basis of which the Republic of Moldova will be evaluated in the coming years. From this perspective, I would like to reiterate that we stand together, and that Romania supports the Republic of Moldova through a multitude of projects.”
Simona Caraiman, Vice-Rector for Digitalization and Digital Communications at the Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iași, underlined the project’s potential to drive regional economic development through digital innovation hubs, building on the extensive experience accumulated by Romanian institutions:
“We want to see companies in our regions that significantly contribute to economic development, creating impactful products and services while integrating advanced digital technologies. xDIH is about opening what universities have to offer toward the ecosystems they are part of.”
Ion Bodrug, President of ACETI, emphasized the project’s strategic importance for regional development:
“By launching the xDIH project, we are building a real digital bridge between Romania and the Republic of Moldova and opening concrete opportunities for students, teachers and the business community. ACETI is honored to join this major effort aimed at transforming education and innovation in the region.”
In turn, Victor Poede, International Projects Expert at Digital Innovation Zone (DIZ) Romania, stressed the importance of the collaboration between DIZ and the Digital Innovation Hub of Moldova, initiated and coordinated by ACETI, ensuring coherence and alignment among partners throughout the project’s implementation.
The launch of xDIH marks an important step in strengthening bilateral cooperation and developing an educational and technological infrastructure aligned with the needs of the modern economy, contributing to the acceleration of digital transformation and deeper cross-border collaboration between Romania and the Republic of Moldova.
