The Romanian IT industry invests in digital skills and sustainability: ANIS awards excellence

The Employers' Association of the Software Industry (ANIS) awarded the best ESG initiatives in the Romanian IT industry at the IT Industry Excellence Awards gala. The ESG Program of the Year 2025 award was awarded to SoftServe Romania for the ‘Driving Sustainability’ programme, launched in 2023, which combines social impact with reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The recognition also reflects the growing importance of responsible business practices and sustainability within the Romanian technology sector, as companies increasingly consider their environmental and social impact alongside business performance.

The Romanian IT industry generated a EUR 17.7 billion turnover in 2024 (13% increase compared to the previous year), and ANIS brings together over 160 member companies representing approximately 66% of the sector. With 25 years of experience, the association aims to support the development of Romania's IT&C industry by encouraging cooperation between technology companies, public authorities, government and academia. 

Its activities focus on three main areas: community, education and industry development. In particular, ANIS supports initiatives aimed at strengthening the quality of STEM education and developing digital skills among young people across secondary, high-school and university education. In addition to excellence awards, ANIS runs scholarship programs, 25 grants of €5,000 each in the 2025 edition, and vocational training initiatives, including ISTQB certifications.

However, Romania remains among the last EU countries in terms of basic digital skills: only 27.7% of the population, compared to the European average of 55.6%, according to the Digital Decade Report 2025. This gap highlights the importance of continued investment in digital education and professional development, as well as stronger collaboration between the private sector and educational institutions.

Initiatives led by industry associations such as ANIS can help address these challenges by connecting educational opportunities with labour market needs and supporting the development of a more digitally skilled workforce.

© Image source: DSJP Romania official platform