Press releases

14 November 2024, Goods — The Conference “Regional Development through Intelligent Specialisation” brought together yesterday at the Nortek Centre in Bălites, regional development leaders, government representatives, innovation experts and entrepreneurs to debate sustainable and innovative solutions to stimulate the local economy.

At the event, from Ciochină, Head of Implementation Unit of the Programme to support Digital Innovations and Technology Startups, ODA, stressed the importance of National Development Strategy “European Moldova 2030” for sustainable business development. In his intervention, Ms Ciochină also mentioned the success of ODA programmes dedicated to digitalisation and innovation as key drivers for the competitiveness of SMEs in the context of smart specialisation.

‘The strategy aims to support business development through the creation of clusters, hubs and industrial parks and to attract private investment in the R & D sector. ODA aligns with these national targets by offering entrepreneurs across the country programmes dedicated to innovation and digitalisation of business. This brings concrete opportunities for entrepreneurs to access essential resources, contributing to the digital transformation and modern economic progress of the Republic of Moldova“said from Ciochină.

Please note that, Moldova’s National Intelligent Specialisation Programme 2024-2027, “SMART Moldova” complement these efforts. It will support increasing income from sustainable sources and reducing inequalities by promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, improving living conditions and ensuring universal access to the internet and electronic services.

During the conference, participants explored new funding opportunities and successful histories in areas of strategic interest, such as sustainable agriculture, textiles, and the automotive sector. The agenda included three thematic panels dedicated to the agri-food, textiles and equipment manufacturing industries, providing a discussion framework for the development of new business models through technological retrofitting and international collaboration.

The event was organised by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development, in collaboration with the North Regional Development Agency and international partners.

Through the Digital Innovation and Startup Support Programme, grants totalling lei 14.4 million were awarded to 34 companies, via the two editions carried out so far. This programme is implemented by ODA, with the financial support of Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund in partnership with the Vult Technology Project, funded by the USAID, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

Moreover, as part of the Digital Transformation Programme for small and medium-sized enterprises this year, 79 companies have been supported, creating around 462 new jobs and maintaining another 2,340 jobs. The total amount of grants awarded amounts to RON 21.2 million, money provided from the state budget and European Union funds. Total investment in the economy amounts to lei 36.6 million.