What motivated you to lead an organisation hosting a Cluster 4 NCP, and how does this align with your organisation's broader goals?
My motivation for leading the National Institute for Research and Development in Informatics - ICI Bucharest, to continue hosting a Cluster 4 NCP is deeply rooted in our long-standing commitment to driving digital innovation and excellence. Since 1996, ICI Bucharest has proudly served as a host organisation for NCPs, and this initiative aligns perfectly with our broader goals of integrating cutting-edge technologies and enhancing our role in shaping Romania's digital landscape. By maintaining our status as an NCP host, we uphold a tradition that positions ICI Bucharest at the intersection of technological advancement and industry leadership, boosting our credibility and aiding in attracting strategic partnerships. It's a key step in creating a collaborative environment that helps advance both our institute and the digital sector.
As General Director, what aspects of your daily professional life do you find most fulfilling? Can you share some examples of how you integrate your passion into the organisation’s operations?
My commitment to sustainable technologies directly influences our operations, as an IT research organisation, we focus our projects on minimising our environmental impact and integrating sustainable technologies into our primary services. This aligns our organisation with EU and global sustainability trends while fulfilling my vision for a more responsible industry, positioning ourselves within the framework of the Horizon Europe programme. Additionally, maintaining an open culture where innovation is encouraged helps us stay flexible and proactive in the digital sector.
As I have calibrated my career in promoting mainly cybersecurity and as the manager of a national research institute, I strive to further position and strengthen ICI’s research strategy in the framework of the EU’s research public policies, through both national and international cooperation by building professional networks with academia and the business environment. All of this could have not been materialised without leading and mentoring a team of young professionals and organising awareness events in order to bring added value to our organisation’s brand.
From your perspective at the helm of the organisation, what are the most promising areas of digital innovation in our country? How is your organisation positioning itself to capitalise on these opportunities?
In Romania, areas like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT) are emerging as highly promising fields of digital innovation. These technologies have the potential to significantly improve sectors like finance, healthcare, and manufacturing by increasing efficiency and adding new capabilities.
Our organisation is actively capitalising on these opportunities by investing in research and development and establishing partnerships with leading technology providers and universities in Romania. We're also dedicated to cultivating a skilled workforce that specialises in these areas. By aligning our strategic initiatives with Romania's growing digital landscape, we aim not just to adapt to these changes but to be at the forefront of driving them.
How does the Ideal-IST network enhance your organisation's capabilities and your effectiveness as a leader? Could you provide specific examples of benefits you've observed?
The IDEALIST network has been an important part of ICI Bucharest’s road to enhancing its technological capabilities and expanding its influence in the European digital innovation landscape as it provides stakeholders with access to our diverse expertise, promoting enhanced collaboration and innovation across Europe.
Furthermore, the network's workshops and events offer practical insights and networking opportunities that have subtly influenced my strategic planning and leadership skills, positively impacting our organisational culture and strategic direction.
What message or insights would you like to share with your peers to inspire them? We'd love to feature your thoughts on social media to highlight the impact and innovation at your organisation.
In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, staying ahead requires not only embracing change but leading it. At ICI Bucharest, we believe that the key to innovation lies in fostering a culture that is open to experimentation and learning from failures as much as from successes. My message to my peers is simple: cultivate resilience and adaptability within your teams. Encourage them to pursue bold ideas with the understanding that not every venture will succeed, but each will provide valuable lessons. By promoting a mindset that values continuous improvement and proactive adaptation, we can collectively push the boundaries of what's possible in our industries and beyond.