The project “Romanian Hub for Artificial Intelligence – HRIA” is developed under the framework of the Smart Growth, Digitalization and Financial Instruments Programme 2021–2027 (PoCIDIF), co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), Priority Axis 4 – Development of Strategic Technologies for Europe – STEP, Call PCIDIF/709/PCIDIF_P4/OP1/RSO1.6/PCIDIF_A12 – Action 4.1 – Support for the Development of Strategic Technologies for Europe – STEP, SMIS Code 2021–351416.

The HRIA project is implemented by the National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, as the main beneficiary, in partnership with six nationally representative universities: Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, West University of Timișoara, ”Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, Politehnica University of Timișoara, University of Bucharest, Babeș-Bolyai University of Cluj-Napoca. Additionally, eight innovative SMEs were selected through a competitive and transparent process to contribute to the project.

HRIA aims to develop a national ecosystem of excellence in Artificial Intelligence, distinguished by its unique scope in Romania in terms of research, development, and innovation activities, as well as its tangible economic impact. The project serves as a catalyst for consolidating the efforts of Romania’s AI community, enhancing its visibility and influence at European and global levels. It fosters the creation of national resources for AI development and innovation, supporting all sectors of society.

HRIA is designed to reach the critical mass of researchers and infrastructure required to establish a robust AI ecosystem. It acts as a focal point and attractor for national efforts in AI, enhancing Romania’s scientific potential and enabling the development of market-ready AI technologies applicable across multiple sectors. The project’s general and specific objectives were formulated based on a comprehensive SWOT analysis of Romania’s AI landscape, positioned within the European and global context, conducted over a period of more than three years.

The achievements in developing AI-based systems and services, the national distribution of the consortium, and the collaboration with SMEs will facilitate the widespread adoption of the Hub’s results across the country.

The HRIA project is structured around four core concepts, integrated into continuous feedback loops:

  • Promoting research excellence: advancing top-tier research in trustworthy AI and implementing AI systems based on validated outcomes
  • Fostering innovation and technology transfer: achieving high levels of innovation and facilitating the development of AI-based products and services
  • Enhancing economic competitiveness: leveraging project results to support sustainable economic growth in Romania
  • Stimulating cooperation: building and maintaining a vibrant national network for AI collaboration, driven by synergies between academia and industry, and engaging all relevant stakeholders around RDI topics and identified societal needs.