On 4-5 February, DIH4Society and Cluj IT participated in the UK–Romanian Business Forum, an event organised by the Consulate General of Romania in Manchester in partnership with the British Romanian Chamber of Commerce. The forum was dedicated to promoting the potential of established Romanian companies and showcasing business opportunities within the North West and North East regions of the United Kingdom.
The forum’s mission was to facilitate a practical dialogue between the Romanian and British business communities, focusing on strategic sectors such as technology, digitalisation, artificial intelligence, and green energy, alongside other areas with high potential for bilateral growth.
Insights into Scaling and Sustainability
During Panels III and IV, leaders from the financial, academic, and business support ecosystems shared concrete perspectives on company formation, scaling, access to finance, and the vital role of business accelerators in sustainable development. The discussions underscored the importance of synergy between investors, universities, and regional support structures in transforming innovative ideas into viable enterprises.
Cluj IT: A Catalyst for Digital Evolution
A key highlight of the forum was the presentation by Cosmin Porumb, DIH4Society delegate and Vice-President of Cluj IT Cluster. In his address, he positioned Cluj IT as a central catalyst for digital transformation, highlighting the maturity of Romania’s digital ecosystem, its capacity for internationalisation, and the immense value of partnerships between clusters, industry, academia, and authorities.
His intervention detailed the digital transformation services provided through DIH4Society, as well as the milestones achieved to date in supporting SMEs and organisations through digitalisation, innovation, and the adoption of advanced technologies. Furthermore, Cosmin Porumb emphasised the internationalisation opportunities available to SMEs via the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN), illustrating how these services help Romanian companies access foreign markets and forge strategic cross-border collaborations.
Expert Perspectives from the Manchester Ecosystem
The interactive panels brought together prominent figures from the UK ecosystem, providing participants with clear guidance and applied know-how. Specifically, Panel III featured:
- Ben Davies, Marketing Director at Praetura Investment Fund, who shared investor insights on business scaling, investment readiness, and accessing growth capital.
- Amer Gaffar FRSA, Director of Industrial Strategy at The Manchester Metropolitan University, who highlighted the role of universities in driving innovation, skills development, and industrial collaboration.
- Vlad Andrei Porumb, Associate Professor (Reader) of Accounting at Alliance Manchester Business School and Director of the Centre for the Analysis of Investment Risk, who provided specialist perspectives on investment risk, financial decision-making, and sustainable business planning.
- Nick Shepherd, Business Development & Strategic Partnerships Leader at Greater Manchester Business Growth Hub, who outlined practical support pathways for entrepreneurs and SMEs scaling at a regional level.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
Delegates from the Romanian business community, including DIH4Society and Cluj IT, engaged directly with local government authorities, investment funds, and academic representatives, laying the groundwork for future collaborations and the exchange of best practices.
Participation in the UK–Romanian Business Forum reaffirms Cluj IT’s and DIH4Society’s commitment to connecting innovation ecosystems, promoting digital transformation, and fostering enduring strategic partnerships between Romania and the United Kingdom.
