Exploring Digital Needs in the Centru Region, Romania: A Comparative Cross-Sectoral Study

Abstract The article reports and discusses (some of) the results of an exploratory research carried on by Futures of Innovation Technologies European Digital Innovation Hub (FIT EDIH) to assess the digital needs in Centru Region, Romania. It focuses on three areas of interest: (smart) manufacturing, e-health, and smart city, distinct analyses being performed on the two main pillars supporting a smart city: local public authorities (LPAs) and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The research aimed at (1) diagnosing the organizations’ current state of digitalization and finding out what their overall approach to digital transformation is; (2) understanding the organizations’ needs in terms of both technologies/applications of interest in the near future and organizational areas where digital transformation is most needed and useful; (3) assessing the organizations’ interest in the services provided by FIT EDIH to support digital transformation – by main categories. An online survey, comprising four tailored questionnaires (specifically designed for each type of organization), was administrated via the FIT EDIH platform. Data were collected from a total of 321 respondents/organizations, representing: Manufacturing (93), E-Health (38), Smart City - LPAs (45), and Smart City - SMEs (145). The results shed some light on the challenges and opportunities the four types of organizations in Centru Region - Romania face on their path towards digital transformation – an investigation area not tackled by previous research. In terms of contributions/implications: (1) the study advances research by contributing to the understanding of digital transformation priorities in less explored regions and sectors; (2) practically, it supports organizations in prioritizing digital transformation, informs technology providers about sector-specific needs, and enables FIT EDIH to offer targeted support, thereby fostering regional innovation and accelerating digital adoption; (3) for policymakers (at regional, national and European levels) it provides data-driven insights to prioritize investments, foster public-private collaboration, and design evidence-based digital strategies.