In a digital era where competitiveness increasingly hinges on the intelligent use of technology, Romanian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are facing a significant disadvantage. According to the European Commission’s Digital Decade 2025 – Country Report: Romania, only 2.78% of Romanian SMEs use artificial intelligence (AI) — far below the EU average of 13.48%. This gap in AI adoption is mirrored across other key digital technologies, such as cloud computing and data analytics.
To address this concerning digital divide, ECDL Romania – ICDL Certification and the Romanian Businessmen’s Association (AOAR) have launched GhidAI.ro, a free, practical digital resource hub designed specifically for SMEs. This platform aims to help Romanian businesses regain lost ground in the race for digitalization and equip them with the tools and knowledge needed to adopt and benefit from AI technologies.
“GhidAI.ro was built with SMEs in mind – to turn AI from an abstract concept into a real, accessible tool with measurable impact. AI is no longer about the future – it’s a decisive part of staying competitive today,” said representatives of ECDL Romania.
A Stark Digital Reality
Despite Romania’s strong digital connectivity infrastructure, the report highlights major challenges in SME digital transformation:
- Only 14.8% of SMEs use cloud services (EU: 39%);
- 21% use data analytics technologies (EU: 33%);
- Just 28.7% of Romanian firms use at least one of the three key technologies (AI, cloud, or data analytics), compared to 54.7% EU-wide;
- While 69.1% of SMEs reach a basic level of digital intensity (EU: 72.91%), only 27.7% of citizens in Romania possess essential digital skills (EU: 55.6%).
Although some progress was made — with a 14.7% year-on-year reduction in the overall gap — barriers such as limited funding, bureaucracy, and lack of internal digital expertise continue to slow down the transformation.
GhidAI.ro: Turning Awareness into Action
In this context, GhidAI.ro emerges as a key enabler. The platform empowers business owners and managers to demystify AI and begin implementing it responsibly and effectively. What makes the platform unique is its focus on practicality, accessibility, and local relevance.
Key features of GhidAI.ro include:
- A clear, practical guide explaining what AI is and how it can be applied to everyday business operations;
- Real-life examples and tech solutions tailored to the Romanian SME market;
- A digital self-assessment tool that helps businesses evaluate their current digital maturity and identify priority areas for growth;
- Personalized recommendations to help companies take their first steps into AI adoption — responsibly, ethically, and efficiently.
Everything is online, 100% free, and easy to use — designed to give every Romanian SME a fair shot at entering the digital age.
Digital Competence as a Strategic Imperative
The European Union’s recently adopted AI Act brings a new level of urgency to this transformation. From February 2, 2025, all organizations that develop or use AI systems will be required to ensure their employees have the necessary AI literacy skills. In this context, digital competence is no longer optional — it is a strategic necessity.
With its national leadership in digital skills certification and training, ECDL Romania is fully committed to supporting this transition. The launch of GhidAI.ro is part of a broader mission to foster sustainable, inclusive, and relevant digital transformation for the Romanian economy.
“Our mission is to turn AI into a competitive advantage for Romanian businesses. Through GhidAI.ro, we support sustainable digitalization, aligned with the pace and reality of each company,” emphasized the ECDL Romania team.
About the Project
GhidAI.ro is an initiative developed by ECDL Romania – the national leader in digital certification – and AOAR – the voice of responsible Romanian entrepreneurship. It forms part of a larger push for digital literacy and AI literacy across sectors, offering accessible tools with direct applicability.
As Romania navigates its path toward a more digital economy, ECDL Romania reaffirms its commitment to equipping citizens and businesses with the skills they need to thrive in an increasingly AI-driven world.
More information:
www.GhidAI.ro
contact@ghidai.ro
Facebook / LinkedIn: ECDLRomania
