EIT Community RIS Hub in Romania
Building a Dynamic and Competitive Innovation Ecosystem in Romania
Building a strong innovation ecosystem in Romania is key to driving economic growth, fostering entrepreneurship, and enhancing the country’s global competitiveness. Romania has a growing tech sector, a skilled workforce, and a vibrant startup scene, particularly in cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Timișoara.
Investing in research, digital transformation, and support programs for startups and SMEs can attract both local and foreign investors, boosting job creation and industrial development. Romania’s innovation ecosystem is supported by universities, research institutes, and tech hubs, which play a crucial role in knowledge transfer and technological advancements. However, to fully unlock its potential, stronger collaboration between the private sector, government, and academia is needed.
The EIT Community RIS Hub is playing a key role in fostering these collaborations, link them to potential international partners and funding opportunity and promoting success stories within the ecosystem.
A driver of innovation in the country can be the Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3), which focuses on leveraging Romania’s strengths in priority sectors such as ICT, energy, bioeconomy, advanced manufacturing, and health. By aligning research and innovation efforts with regional economic strengths, the strategy helps maximize investment impact, foster collaboration between industries and academia, and enhance competitiveness at both national and international levels.
By fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, Romania can address local and global challenges. Strengthening this ecosystem will not only accelerate economic progress but also position Romania as a key player in the European and global innovation landscape.
About the EIT Community RIS Hub
The EIT Community RIS Hub in Romania serves as a key driver of innovation, connecting local stakeholders with European opportunities. Based in a dynamic innovation ecosystem, the Hub fosters collaboration between startups, researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders to accelerate technological advancements and economic growth.
The Hub acts as a catalyst for local innovators by offering vital support, resources, and access to European networks, enhancing their global competitiveness and attracting international investments.
By fostering collaboration between startups, research institutions, and industry leaders, the Hub bridges new ideas with the broader innovation ecosystem. This approach not only accelerates the growth of Romania’s entrepreneurial landscape but also contributes to the country’s socio-economic development, reinforcing its position as a dynamic player in the European and global innovation landscape.
“Through our experience in the innovation ecosystem, working closely with SMEs, policymakers, Academia and support organisations we have gained a very good understanding of the local ecosystem, with its needs, challenges, but also success. Moreover, at Iceberg Plus, we are coordinating two RIS Hubs in Romania: EIT Manufacturing and EIT Urban Mobility, which place us at the core of EU innovations. We are excited to put our knowledge forward and support the local innovation ecosystem in this new capacity as EIT Community Officer.”
SILVIA URSU, EIT COMMUNITY OFFICER ROMANIA
EIT Funding & Impact
The EIT supports the development of dynamic, long-term thematic partnerships, so-called Knowledge and Innovation Communities. These unique partnerships are formed among companies, research organisations and higher education institutions as well as other key innovation players. They each tackle a specific global challenge.
In 2021 and 2022, a total EIT funding of EUR 649.87 million was channeled to the 27 EU Member States.
Romania received a total of EUR 3.41 million in EIT grants in 2022. This amount is EUR 2.09 million higher than the funding received in 2021 and it was directed to Romanian organisations via eight EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities in 2022. The largest share (EUR 1.51 million each) was dedicated to business and higher education related activities. The funding included EUR 1.03 million to support Romanian SMEs, mainly under EIT Climate-KIC.
About the EIT Community Officer
Silvia Ursu
EIT Community Officer Romania, COO Iceberg Plus
Silvia is a Senior Innovation Program Manager and Management Executive with an experience of over a decade for both the private and public sectors. Her focus is on innovation processes, ecosystem support and strategy projects. In her work she is helping companies & teams to grow by bringing her solution focus mindset, abilities to identify funding opportunities and partnerships, experience in working with various stakeholders and the drive to create long lasting impact. She managed various teams and contribute to company’s growth as Associate Partner in Civitta and now she helds the COO role for Iceberg Plus.
She designed several ecosystem support programs, overviewing EU funded programs and working with various stakeholders in the field of entrepreneurship and innovation.
Throughout her career, Silvia has been dedicated to fostering innovation and sustainable development, leveraging her diverse experience to strengthen the innovation ecosystem. By supporting startups, research institutions, and policymakers, she contributes to creating impactful collaborations, driving long-term growth, and enhancing the overall innovation landscape.
She is also an Alumna of Global Shaper’s Bucharest Hub, an initiative by World Economic Forum.
Contact Details
- Email: romania@eitcommunity.eu
- Phone: +40758115507
- Address: Mihail Sadoveanu nr 6, 500030, Brașov Romania
- LinkedIn: EIT Community RIS Hub Romania
Upcoming Opportunities
Stay updated with the latest opportunities related to Romania's innovation ecosystem and the activities of the EIT Community RIS Hub.
