A Digital Crossroads: The Digital Evolution of Romania in the European Union Landscape - A Comparative Analysis With the Baltics, With Emphasis on the Business Sector
A Digital Crossroads: The Digital Evolution of Romania in the European Union Landscape - A Comparative Analysis With the Baltics, With Emphasis on the Business Sector

Summary/Abstract: Romania's digital trajectory is examined in relation to broader European and global benchmarks, with a particular focus on its path towards digital transformation. This study examines Romania's digital performance using key metrics from the Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI), comparing 2030 Digital Compass targets to those of the Baltic States. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, testing several hypotheses primarily through simple linear regression. A qualitative analysis of policy and strategic documents further enhances the robustness of the findings, supplementing the quantitative data. The results outline important differences between Romania and the European Union average, with clearer contours in what is considered the adoption of artificial intelligence, the use of cloud computing services, big data analytics, and digital intensity amongst small and medium enterprises. Romania lags behind the Baltic States, indicating that the country continues to grapple with significant challenges in the European digital landscape. The findings of this study indicate that, in the case of Romania, there have been significant gaps that have hindered its full integration with the digitalised European market. In summary, this paper recommends that Romanian policymakers focus on digitalisation initiatives, renew digital infrastructure, and ensure continuous, convincing, and coherent preparation for the needs of advancing digital literacy, inclusive growth, and a competitive European digital economy. These areas, if addressed, will facilitate the rapid digital transformation of Romania and reduce the digital gap within Europe.

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