Supporting Market Development in Moldova: Digital Innovations, Labour Market, and Investments

Project title:

Supporting the Market Environment in Moldova: Digital Innovation, Labour Market and Investment - Phase 1

Duration:

October 2023 - April 2025

Donor:

Slovak Agency for International Development Cooperation (SAIDC).

Project partners:

Moldova: Faculty of Computers, Informatics and Microelectronics of the Technical University of Moldova (FCIM TUM), Seed Forum Moldova and ESET.

Slovakia: ESET.

The ICT sector, constituting 10% of Moldova's GDP in 2021, is a pivotal force for economic growth. However, a pressing issue faced by the sector is the shortage of skilled human resources. To bridge this gap, the project aims to adopt multi-sectoral measures, with a special focus on women, men, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The overarching goal is to enhance ICT capacity, strengthen public-private relations, and create an infrastructure conducive to economic growth in Moldova.

The project's strategic interventions include:

1. Educational Empowerment

The project will boost the educational levels of the workforce in Comrat, Balti, Cahul, and Chisinau through the "Cyber Security Academy" and "TECH Incubators." This comprehensive training plan, developed in collaboration with partners, emphasizes the importance of digital skills and IT knowledge. Internships, grants, and support for startups will be provided to participants with the highest potential, contributing to job creation.

2. SME Innovation Support

Innovation is a cornerstone of economic growth. The "Digital Upgrade SMEs" program will empower SMEs in Moldova to embrace smart solutions, focusing on digital marketing, online commerce, payment tools, process automation, and online security. Financial support and expert consultancy from Slovak professionals will pave the way for the introduction of cutting-edge technologies, fostering competitiveness and economic growth.

3. Networking and Job Placement

To bridge the gap between trained workers and SMEs, the project will organize job fairs, conferences, and DEMO days. This initiative aims to connect skilled individuals from the TECH Incubators with potential employers, facilitating direct exchanges and promoting employment opportunities. Networking events, job fairs, an international conference on "WOMEN IN TECH," and DEMO DAY will serve as platforms to showcase achievements and strengthen connections within the labour market.

Logical Intervention

The project strategically aligns with Moldova's 2030 Agenda and the Digital Transformation Strategy (2023-2027). Through three key interventions—educational empowerment, SME innovation support, and networking—over an 18-month period, the project aims to overcome barriers and enhance the market environment systematically.

This initiative underscores the commitment to building a sustainable and inclusive infrastructure, contributing to the socio-economic advancement of young people, women, and the wider public in Chisinau, Balti, Comrat, and Cahul.