Network & Ecosystem

Peste Over 50 relevant actors are part of the associated network (technology solution providers, universities, research centers, cluster initiatives, chambers of commerce and industry, EEN members, SME associations, educational and business development services, banks, and financial actors). They maintain active the collaborations with public administrations and the North-West Regional Development Agency.

PARTNERS | UNIVERSITIES & R&D CENTERS | DIGITAL SOLUTION PROVIDERS | BUSINESS SUPPORT | ACCESS TO FUNDING

CJIT Cluster – CJIT (DIH Coordinator)

An innovative cluster association founded in 2012 in Cluj-Napoca, which includes over 90 members: more than 60 IT companies, 14 public universities, 2 research institutes of the Romanian Academy, 10 other R&D institutes, public administrations, and SME associations. As members of the European Digital SME Alliance, people from CJIT hold leadership positions or participate in three thematic groups (Cyber & Data, AI, Digital Transformation).

CJIT has developed extensive expertise in project implementation, ecosystem building, and networking, as well as direct support for SMEs and the formation of national and international partnerships. This has been achieved through participation in over 10 projects focused on themes such as digital skills development, collaborative innovation and R&D, startup support, cluster development, and smart city initiatives, funded by Horizon 2020 and ESI funds.

With extensive experience in digital transformation, CJIT collaborated in 2021 with the Joint Research Centre (JRC) to pilot the DMA tool and methodology for the EDIH program. As the core of DIH4Society, the cluster leverages its established ecosystem to mobilize resources from technology solution and service providers, delivering innovative responses to the needs of both the private and public sectors.

Innovative testing facilities have been developed in partnership with members through joint projects such as: CREIC robolab, CJIT designed the architecture and currently operates the lab in partnership with the City of Cluj. Other testing labs and facilities are developed in collaboration with Babeș-Bolyai University (focusing on neuroscience for social robotics) and Accenture. In the past year, access to funding and acceleration services has been facilitated for 13 highly innovative startups, with a total value of nearly 1 milion EUR.

Networking activities support the internationalization of members into emerging markets such as Latin America, East Africa, and the Middle East. Detailed information on previous projects and successful outcomes of these activities is available in the Annexes and serves as a strong basis for CJIT’s qualification as project coordinator and key partner responsible for the majority of activities, aligned with the value of the committed KPIs.

Technical University of Cluj-Napoca – UTCN

UTCN is part of the European University of Technology consortium, it comprises 12 faculties and local branches in nearby cities (Baia Mare, Bistrița, Satu Mare, Zalău, and Alba Iulia). The university is recognized as one of the leading technical research universities in Romania, actively engaged in innovation, technology transfer, and close collaboration with the private sector. dih4society.ro

Its research activities span a wide range of fields, including engineering, information and communication technology, renewable energy and ecology, nanomaterials, management and robotics, mechatronics and electrical engineering, future vehicles and housing.

UTCN, through its specialized laboratories and testing facilities in the key domains served by DIH4Society, provides technical services and testing expertise annually to approximately 60 private sector clients. It is also actively involved in training programs for the private sector through specialized departments, offering short, applied courses and professional specializations.

Bistrița-Năsăud Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Located in the eastern part of the region, it represents over 250 member companies from Bistrița-Năsăud County (including 80% of the major employers). With more than 30 years of experience in business support, access to funding, and skills development, CCIBN brings valuable expertise in impactful awareness and dissemination activities, training, support for SMEs in attracting public investments, and access to testing facilities for digital transformation. Annually, CCIBN conducts training programs for several hundred participants in fields such as digitalization, compliance, and industry.

CCIBN offers business support services which include access to funding, trademark consulting, legal advice, business development, networking, and representation. Over the past 30 years, the Chamber has implemented more than 20 projects funded through programs such as ESF, Horizon 2020, etc., with objectives focused on digital skills development, innovation, and sectoral growth. CCIBN currently serves as a representative on the Committee for the Smart Specialization Strategy, as well as within the Regional Consortium for Education and Training. CCIBN will also coordinate a network of local contact points in all six counties of the region, close to potential beneficiaries.

University of Oradea

Located in the western part of the region, it has 15 faculties with 49 departments and 27 institutionally certified research centers, as well as technical infrastructure that will be made available throughout the project activities. Beyond education, UO is evolving as a market-oriented research university, actively involved in large-scale projects such as the development of. Bihor Science and Technology Park. Where it provides technical expertise services to co-located companies in five key smart spe. ialization areas: (1) eco-nanotechnologies and advanced materials, (2) ICT, (3) space and security, (4) health, and (5) energy, environment, and climate change. UO brings distinctive expertise in technology transfer, along with three laboratories and testing facilities in critical fields of digital transformation. Its location in the western part of the region offers additional advantages by reducing the distance between potential beneficiaries and the laboratories.