Construction companies have initiated the digitalization process at the initiative of the TEC - Technology Enabled Construction cluster, alongside social partners, the academic environment, as well as members of the Romanian Government and the European Commission. During the international event "INNOCONSTRUCT - Innovation in the Construction Industry - Digitalization," the key objectives for modernizing one of the least digitized sectors in the EU were presented.
According to the EU Digital Strategy, only 17% of SMEs have successfully integrated innovative technologies into their businesses, compared to 54% of large companies, with Romania being among the countries with the lowest level of digitalization in the EU. Addressing this gap is a priority for the EU, given the 2030 targets, which aim for 90% of companies to adopt digital technologies and 80% of the population to acquire digital skills.
“In early May, the EU published an update to the 2020 Industrial Strategy, which includes a post-pandemic economic recovery policy plan. Among the goals, we will focus on modernizing the construction ecosystem through digitalization and automation, developing a sustainable economic plan for the environment that encourages the responsible use of resources, as well as acquiring new professional skills, creating and increasing jobs in the industry,” stated Roman Horwàth, representative of the European Commission.
The Technology Enabled Construction (TEC) cluster is launching an accelerated digitalization process through a partnership between the tech industry and construction, announced during the "INNOCONSTRUCT - Innovation in the Construction Industry - Digitalization" conference. Large companies and SMEs in the sector, along with specialized universities, social partners, and relevant NGOs from the construction sector, have raised concerns about the need for the digital transformation of the industry, including workforce education in this area.
“This partnership started with the idea that in construction, digitalization lags behind other industries. The necessity for automation, robotics, and innovation is increasingly felt. In Romania, we are experiencing a significant development of infrastructure related to all construction components. One of the challenges we need to find solutions for is the shortage of workforce. Education in construction digitalization represents an alternative for a more skilled workforce in the industry. We need to start with a campaign to raise public awareness and education, followed by training specialists who will introduce automation and digitalization concepts in construction,” stated Cristian Erbașu, President of the TEC Cluster.
The proposed objectives during the event include increasing the quality of products, services, and technologies in the construction sector, as well as developing stable partnerships between the private sector and public authorities. Following the adoption of standardized innovative design and execution techniques and through the qualification and retention of personnel, experts estimate that over time, project execution times will decrease, and costs will be optimized for both service providers and direct beneficiaries.
“The TEC cluster aims to fill a gap in the Romanian market by offering not only an ambitious but also a pragmatic vision for the construction industry in Romania, but also professional support services to assist companies in the industry. Resistance to digitalization is a characteristic of conservative industries and is also due to the fact that the market currently does not offer quality professional services to support companies in changing their business model and adopting innovative technologies in a manner that makes economic sense and increases profitability,” said Rodica Lupu, Director of the TEC Cluster.
Another objective discussed was the development of strategic partnerships between the private sector and specialized universities through the implementation of research-innovation activities, aimed at developing and adopting new products, services, or technologies in the field.
Among the conference speakers were Roman Horvath, representative of the European Commission; Anca Ginavar, Director of the Technical Directorate of the General Directorate for Regional Development and Infrastructure of the Ministry of Public Works, Development, and Administration; Radu Văcăreanu, Rector of the Bucharest Technical University of Constructions; Daniel Coșniță, President of the Romanian Clusters Association; Kermo Magi, Ministry of Finance of Estonia; Antonio Novo, President of the European Cluster Alliance; Jean-Marc Ogier, President of La Rochelle University; Eduard Dumitrașcu, President of the Romanian Smart City Association; and representatives of clusters from Austria, Estonia, and Slovenia.
The “Technology Enabled Construction” (TEC) cluster is an innovation cluster founded in 2019 that brings together organizations from the private sector, the academic and research environment, the associative sector, and the public sector, based on common values of its members and medium- and long-term objectives focused on increasing competitiveness through innovation, co-creation, and integration across the entire value chain in the construction industry. The cluster aims to become the network of the most dynamic and innovative construction companies in Romania by 2025 through increased competitiveness and integration into European networks through continuous digitalization and innovation.