experty-in-digitalization from Romania initiate autonomous research center named Edge Institute
The Edge Institute, a Romanian think tank launched on March 12, is dedicated to digital development and evolution. With a mission to stimulate critical thinking about emerging digital technologies and their impact on society and innovation, the Institute focuses on anticipatory approaches such as futures studies, foresight, and strategic intelligence.
The Edge Institute provides future-oriented, evidence-based advice on technology trends, breakthrough innovations, and investment patterns that shape digital development. The Institute also supports the creation of long-term strategic intelligence capacity by employing hybrid and collective foresight methods. Furthermore, it explores and applies innovative anticipatory methodologies to support policy design and program implementation in digital innovation and governance.
One of the Institute's notable projects is FUTURINNOV, which offers short and medium-term intelligence on emerging technologies to inform European innovation policies, highlighting the Edge Institute’s role in linking foresight with practical digital development strategies.
According to a large-scale study conducted by Ipsos for the Edge Institute, 59% of Romanians consider digitalization beneficial. However, concerns persist, with more than half (57%) expressing worry about how their personal data is used without consent by major technology companies. Additionally, 43% of Romanians cite low digital skills of citizens as a barrier to the adoption of digital technologies.
In terms of Romania's current digital landscape, the country has an average level of digitalization, with infrastructure and the digitalization of private companies as strengths. However, 51% of Romanians do not access public digital platforms, and 49% perceive that the pace of digitalization in public administration is too slow. Making appointments at public hospitals, paying taxes and fees, and obtaining personal documents are identified as the most important priority areas for digitalization.
Digital access to prescriptions, certificates, and medical referrals is a major concern, with 37% of Romanians expressing this worry. Furthermore, 36% of Romanians perceive corruption or political interests as a barrier to digital transformation. One in five Romanians reports experiencing technical problems with public digital platforms, and 25% fear their data may be stolen when using such platforms.
The Edge Institute brings together expertise from the private, academic, and administrative sectors, with a board including Bogdan Axinia, Diana Stafie, Dragos̝ Stanca, Elisabeta Moraru, Iulian Stanciu, Mihai Matei, Oleg Roibu, Răzvan Rughiniș, Sergiu Manea, and Victor Guzun. The Institute's mission is to support Romania's digital transition to reach the EU average level in the "Digital Decade"/DESI. The Edge Institute's work is instrumental in driving Romania's digital evolution, providing valuable insights and strategic advice to shape the country's digital future.
The Edge Institute merges insights from various sectors such as finance, business, technology, and education-and-self-development to support Romania's digital transition, aiming to reach the EU average level in the "Digital Decade"/DESI. One of their significant projects, FUTURINNOV, offers intelligence on emerging technologies to guide European innovation policies and outline digital development strategies, demonstrating their active role in linking foresight with practical digital development approaches.
