Techonomy #4 – Your Go-To Tech Monthly Debrief

Dear Techonomists,

February has been packed with major developments in AI policy, global tech trends, and challenges for Romania’s IT industry. The AI Action Summit in Paris set the stage for the future of artificial intelligence, Microsoft made a quantum leap (literally), and Romania finds itself at a crossroads between becoming an innovation hub or remaining an outsourcing destination.

?? In this #MonthlyDebrief, we talk about:

• Global AI policy shifts and Romania’s role in shaping responsible AI.
• Emerging tech trends in 2025, from generative AI to quantum breakthroughs.
• The future of Romania’s IT industry, amid tax changes and innovation policy gaps.

Let’s dive into the biggest updates shaping the tech landscape.

AI Takes Center Stage in Paris

The AI Action Summit in Paris gathered global leaders, researchers, and industry pioneers to shape the future of artificial intelligence. Three major themes emerged:

• Global AI Governance – 58 countries, including Romania, signed the Declaration on Inclusive and Sustainable AI, committing to transparency, ethics, and responsible AI development. However, the US and UK declined to sign, signaling a growing divide between AI deregulation in the US and stricter governance in the EU.
• AI’s Role in Society – Key discussions revolved around AI in public services, the future of work, and AI-generated content—should we embrace or regulate it?
• Trust & Bias in AI – Transparency and preventing algorithmic bias were highlighted as essential for building AI systems that are fair and reliable.

This moment is critical—global AI policies are being shaped, and Romania must define its position. The key milestone is the General-Purpose AI Code of Practice (#GPAI) that is currently being shaped in view of its adoption this spring. In this context, ANIS co-signed an open letter with counterpart organizations from CEE to voice the concerns of the industry regarding the risks of an overly complex and rigid approach that could negatively impact the AI ecosystem and the capacity for #innovation in the EU.

Tech Trends Shaping 2025

While AI dominates global conversations, other key technologies are set to transform industries:

• Generative AI Expands – Moving beyond chatbots, AI is becoming integral to business intelligence, automation, and creative industries.
• Quantum Computing Breakthroughs – Making strides toward real-world applications (more on this below).
• 5G Expansion – Unlocking new possibilities in automation, smart cities, and industrial AI.
• Autonomous Vehicles – Gaining traction, though regulatory frameworks remain a challenge.

Countries that invest in these innovations now will lead the next wave of technological progress.

Romania at a Crossroads: Innovation Hub or Outsourcing Market?

At home, Romania’s tech industry faces critical challenges that could shape its future:

• Tax Policy Changes – The removal of IT tax exemptions raises concerns about talent retention and cost competitiveness.
• Lack of AI & Innovation Policies – Without a clear action plan, Romania risks falling behind in the AI-driven economic shift.
• Brain Drain Alert – Higher taxes and an uncertain innovation landscape could push top IT talent to seek opportunities abroad.

Proactive policies and investments are crucial to secure Romania’s position as a competitive tech destination. As a leading voice for Romania’s tech sector, ANIS is actively working with policymakers to support AI adoption, digitalization, and R&D investment.

Check out our latest op-ed on Romania’s potential in AI and emerging technologies.

ANIS Gala 2025: Celebrating Excellence in IT

?? Save the date: April 2, 2025! The ANIS Gala 2025 is set to honor the most innovative companies in Romania’s IT industry.

?? Excellence Awards Categories:

• Innovation of the Year – Application Form
• Education Program of the Year – Application Form
• ESG Program of the Year – Application Form
• Startup of the Year – Application Form
• R&D Program of the Year – Application Form
• Software Outsourcing Project of the Year – Application Form
• Software Product of the Year – Application Form
• Company of the Year – Application Form

?? Applications are open until March 2, 2025—all companies, whether ANIS members or not, are welcome to apply. More details on the ANIS website.

Corina Vasile , ANIS Executive Director, shares the vision:

Despite the challenges posed by the international economic climate and sudden fiscal changes in Romania, our IT industry remains resilient and innovative. The ANIS Gala is an opportunity to celebrate this strength and recognize those shaping the future of technology in Romania.

Major Leap for Quantum Computing

Microsoft has unveiled Majorana 1, a quantum chip powered by a Topological Core. This breakthrough could:

• Make quantum computing scalable, solving problems beyond classical computing.
• Enhance AI & cybersecurity, leading to next-level machine learning capabilities.
• Transform industries such as finance, healthcare, and logistics.

?? Watch Microsoft’s Majorana 1 announcement here. Quantum computing is no longer theoretical—nations that invest in R&D today will lead tomorrow.

Looking Ahead

Tech is evolving rapidly, bringing both opportunities and challenges. Romania has the talent and potential to be a global tech leader — but the right policies and investments will be key.

At ANIS, we remain committed to pushing for smart policies, supporting innovation, and keeping you informed every step of the way.

?? Until next time—keep building, keep questioning, and keep shaping the future.

The ANIS Team

???P.S. The ANIS industry study is available for free to all #ANISmembers! Not a member yet? Contact us at ??[email protected] to join. Otherwise, feel free to order your copy on the website:

?? That's all for today, friends. We'll bring you more digital insights next month.

??Have ideas? Share your suggestions for topics—we’d love to hear from you!

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