The Republic of Moldova has been selected to host its first European Digital Innovation Hub, a strategic initiative involving a total investment of EUR 2 million dedicated to the digital transformation of the private sector. The project aims to directly support local businesses through access to financial resources and technical expertise, strengthening the country’s position in the European digital ecosystem.
The hub’s funding structure is based on a mix of national and European funds. The Moldovan government, through the Organization for Development of Entrepreneurship (ODA), will contribute EUR 1 million, plus an equivalent European funding of EUR 1 million. The total capital of EUR 2 million will be distributed to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the form of vouchers and specific grants for digitization.
The success of this approach is attributed to the partnership between the Association for the Development of Electronic Communications and Innovative Technologies (ACETI) and the Technical University of Moldova (TUM). The Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization has emphasized that this collaboration between academia and associations provides essential resources and capital for innovation.
The eGovernment Agency has also taken on the role of National Contact Point for the Digital Europe Program. The institution will provide operational support to applicants, including guidance on the application process, clarifications on eligibility, assistance in the formation of consortia and dissemination of information on calls and trainings.