Dmytro Petrenko, Director of the Bessarabian Technology Hub: „The A7 Highway will significantly contribute to attracting investments in the Bessarabia region, particularly in the logistics and technology sectors”

Bessarabian Technology Hub (BTH) – BT Moldova, led by Dmytro Petrenko, is an important initiative aimed at promoting technological innovation and entrepreneurship in the Bessarabia region

The construction of the A7 Highway will improve connectivity, opening new opportunities for technology-based businesses and startups in the region.

How do you see the impact of the A7 Highway construction on the development of the Bessarabian Technology Hub?

The A7 Highway represents a crucial step for regional connectivity and opens new opportunities for the Bessarabian Technology Hub (BTH). Although we are not directly connected to this highway, its impact on the region will be significant. This infrastructure facilitates access to European markets and innovation networks in Romania, encouraging both existing companies and startups within BTH to expand and access new markets.

In the long term, we anticipate an increase in interest for investment in technology and infrastructure projects in our region, which will accelerate digitalization and benefit the IT sector. Additionally, the A7 Highway will improve logistics, facilitating commercial flows between Ukraine, Moldova, and Romania, a crucial element for our startups that depend on logistics and connectivity.

What opportunities do you foresee for technology companies and startups in the region with improved connectivity between Ukraine and Romania?

Improving connectivity between Ukraine and Romania, with the construction of the A7 Highway, will create a more favorable environment for the development of tech startups within BTH. First, companies will be able to access European markets more easily and attract international investors interested in innovation. The economic mapping and geospatial infrastructure projects we are carrying out with partners like ESRI USA and Trimetrica SRL (Esri Moldova) will benefit from more accurate data and better integration into the European transport network.

The A7 Highway will facilitate the development of digital platforms and mobility solutions for economic sectors, including agriculture, logistics, and trade, all of which require modernized road infrastructure to operate efficiently. Increased connectivity will also help reduce operating costs for companies in the region.

How will this infrastructure support the growth of technological innovation and entrepreneurship?

The A7 Highway will have a direct impact on technological innovation and entrepreneurship, both by facilitating market access and attracting investments in infrastructure. With increased accessibility and shorter transport times between the north and south of the region, startups within BTH will be able to implement digital solutions that optimize logistics, trade, and agriculture.

We also anticipate that the business environment will place orders for developing thematic geo-portals that leverage geospatial data for the economic mapping of the Bugeac region. These projects will stimulate local entrepreneurship and attract IT investors interested in process digitalization and innovative technological solutions.

What initiatives does the Bessarabian Technology Hub have to capitalize on the opportunities created by the A7 Highway?

We are in the process of developing strategic initiatives to capitalize on the opportunities created by the A7 Highway. After the working visit of Mr. Ion Ștefanovici in September 2024, we clearly understood that the A7 is an international-scale project that deserves our attention. With the support of our partners, such as ESRI and Trimetrica SRL, we will continue to develop economic mapping and IT infrastructure solutions that support territorial planning and regional connectivity.

We are also considering attracting investors in logistics and IT projects that will benefit from this modernized infrastructure. We will focus on collaboration with the business environment and institutions in Romania to establish solid partnerships in this regard.

What measures are in place to support tech-oriented businesses and entrepreneurs in the region?

BTH is actively working on developing a strategy to support startups and companies in the technology sector. This strategy will include developing mentorship programs, collaborating with investors and capital funds to provide financial support, as well as international partnerships with institutions from Romania and other European countries.

We will also encourage collaboration between technology companies in Moldova and Ukraine with partners in the EU to stimulate innovation and facilitate integration into the European market. The A7 Highway will play a crucial role in facilitating these cross-border partnerships, reducing logistical and transportation barriers.

How do you think the A7 Highway will contribute to attracting investment and promoting technological development in the Bessarabia region?

The A7 Highway will significantly contribute to attracting investments in the Bessarabia region, particularly in the logistics and technology sectors. This infrastructure will improve accessibility and facilitate economic cooperation between Ukraine, Moldova, and Romania. Investors will be more willing to support projects in the region once there is a modern road infrastructure that offers operational safety and efficiency.

Regarding the sectors that will benefit the most, I believe that logistics, IT infrastructure, and geospatial solutions will gain the most. Additionally, the creation of logistics hubs and the rehabilitation of railway infrastructure in the region, such as the Cimișlia railway node, will attract new business opportunities.

Do you have suggestions for maximizing the positive impact of the A7 Highway on technology and innovation in the region?

To maximize the positive impact of the A7 Highway on technology and innovation, it is essential to develop close collaboration with partners from Romania and the European Union. A key element would be the creation of joint startup acceleration programs that bring together innovators from Moldova, Ukraine, and Romania.

We should also focus on developing digital infrastructure and technology hubs along transport corridors. Cross-border partnerships with technological institutions in Romania, such as C.A.P.D.R., will play a crucial role in this regard. We will work together to create a joint strategy that supports innovation projects and attracts European funds to our region.

The post Dmytro Petrenko, Director of the Bessarabian Technology Hub: „The A7 Highway will significantly contribute to attracting investments in the Bessarabia region, particularly in the logistics and technology sectors” appeared first on MOLDOVA INVEST.