Partners

ICDL – The Digital Skills Standard is the brand identity of the most widespread digital skills certification standard, known locally as ECDL.

The new brand identity and the new ICDL certification modules, which are gradually being introduced in Romania as well, will help meet the digital skills needs of students, employees, and professionals across Europe, at a time when technologies are evolving faster than ever.

ICDL Foundation is an international organization dedicated to developing digital skills standards for the workforce, education, and society at large. Its certification programs, delivered through an active global network, enable individuals and organizations to assess, develop, and certify computer and digital tool usage skills based on the globally recognized ICDL standard.

The quality and reputation of ICDL are built on more than 20 years of experience in delivering certification programs in 40 languages worldwide. ICDL’s success is based on continuous innovation in certification program development, a commitment to rigorous testing methodologies, and consistent adherence to ICDL quality standards.

ICDL is an exemplary implementation of DigComp (The European Digital Competence Framework) and DigCompEdu (for teachers), and is the international standard for digital skills most closely aligned with European reference frameworks, as identified in reports by the JRC (Joint Research Centre – the European Commission’s science and knowledge service) and UNESCO.

In recent years, ICDL certification has become more flexible, allowing each candidate/organization to develop personalized ICDL Profiles tailored to their academic or professional needs. In addition, the portfolio has been continuously updated with new modules, keeping pace with emerging technologies: Computing (Python programming), Digital Marketing, Online Collaboration, Teamwork, IT Security (Cybersecurity), Information Literacy, Financial Spreadsheets, 3D Printing, Insights (introduction to AI, Cloud, IoT, etc.).

The Council of European Professional Informatics Societies (CEPIS) is the representative body of national informatics associations across Europe. Founded in 1989 by nine European computing societies, CEPIS has since grown to represent IT professionals in 29 countries.

CEPIS promotes best practices for IT professionals and users across Europe by:

• promoting high standards for the advancement and professionalization of IT;
• building gender balance in the IT industry and inspiring more young people to pursue IT-related education and careers;
• advocating for a generally competent and digitally skilled workforce, in support of employability and higher productivity;
• advocating for the socially responsible, safe, ethical, inclusive, and environmentally conscious use of IT in Europe.

The World Innovation, Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA) is the largest and most reputable international platform among technology leaders worldwide.

This global platform brings together international business owners, government leaders, and academics to discuss emerging markets, legal and policy issues, political and economic trends, emerging technologies, ICT user perspectives, and business opportunities in the global market.

Founded in 1978, it has grown to become the recognized leading voice of the global technology industry.

It aims to drive transformation and develop the technology industry globally across all regions.

It supports international public policies that promote industry growth and development through WITSA position papers and in collaboration with internationally recognized organizations to foster and facilitate growth.

It promotes industry cooperation and strengthens national associations through the exchange of knowledge, experience, and critical information.

It facilitates international trade and investment within the global network of technology products and services.

It serves as a signature awards platform – the WITSA World Congress on Innovation and Technology (WCIT).

It promotes inclusion through the WITSA Global AI Ecosystem Network.

It organizes the WITSA World Cup to recognize the best global technology industry developments competing for the coveted Zohari Challenge Trophy.

It organizes global innovation and technology excellence awards to recognize users and achievements in the field.

The National Union of Romanian Employers (UNPR) is a non-governmental, non-profit, non-political organization that includes companies from the private sector with fully Romanian capital, mixed capital, or foreign capital only. It was established in 1991, being the first employers’ confederation registered in Romania.

UNPR is a union of employers’ federations, with its own assets and legal personality. In addition to its county branches, UNPR also includes professional associations from various fields of activity, representing branches and sub-branches of the national economy.

The purpose of the Union is to represent, promote, and defend the interests of its members, especially small and medium-sized enterprises.

After undergoing a deep restructuring process, UNPR today presents itself as the most active and dynamic employers’ confederation in Romania, present in 24 counties with member companies from all economic sectors.

Its 18 commissions ensure a real and professional presence of UNPR in the business environment and beyond, serving as the “laboratories” where the confederation’s strategies are developed regarding Romania’s entire economic, social, cultural, and political life.

UNPR’s 30 years of existence justify its role as a leader in unifying and energizing the employers’ movement in Romania.

ATIC has signed a protocol with UNPR to join forces in joint actions and to collaborate within working groups and technical committees across various areas of interest.

The main objectives of this partnership are focused on several directions:

• Implementation of joint projects that leverage the competencies and expertise of members of both organizations
• Pursuing and fulfilling the missions and interests of UNPR and ATIC members through close collaboration and coordinated actions, both nationally and internationally. Joint actions in Singapore and Malaysia represent a significant step forward in this collaboration.
• Promoting the professional development of members through training programs, workshops, and other educational and skills-building activities
• A common front in lobbying actions at government level to protect the interests of industries and members

The Romanian Agency for Investment and Foreign Trade (ARICE) aims to attract foreign direct and portfolio investments into Romania, promote foreign trade, including Romanian services (excluding tourism), and monitor Romanian investments abroad. The organization is subordinated to the Government and coordinated by the Prime Minister.

The Agency is funded from the state budget through the budget of the General Secretariat of the Government.

The main objectives of the Agency are:

a) It initiates and coordinates the development of policies, strategies, and programs in the fields of foreign trade, attracting foreign investments into Romania, and monitoring Romanian investments abroad, in collaboration with ministries and central and local public administration authorities, in line with the country’s economic development priorities and program.

In this regard, the Agency initiates, drafts, and promotes legislative proposals, coordinates and oversees their implementation in its areas of responsibility, and issues opinions on draft normative acts from other central public administration bodies that have an impact on its areas of competence.

b) It initiates, coordinates, and ensures control over activities promoting foreign investment in Romania and foreign trade, as well as monitoring Romanian investments abroad, with the aim of:

• increasing efforts to stimulate both domestic and foreign direct investment in industry, services, scientific research, technological development, and innovation, with indirect effects on regional development and job creation;
• developing foreign trade, strengthening economic diplomacy abroad, and promoting Romania’s commercial and investment presence internationally;
• increasing Romanian exports and balancing Romania’s trade deficit;
• supporting the internationalization of Romanian companies.

c) It collaborates with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other institutions and entities responsible for exports and foreign investment, in order to promote and support foreign trade activities, attract investments into the Romanian economy, and support the investment interests of Romania’s business environment.

d) It ensures the monitoring of Romanian investments abroad.

ATIC organizes, together with ARICE, representation events at trade fairs and economic missions in countries around the world.