Digitalisation - The Catalyst For Competitive Economic Growth

The current economic reality is shaped by the impact of rapid technological transformations, with digitalisation emerging as a key driver of competitive economic growth. The European Union (EU) supports this process through dedicated policies and by monitoring the progress of Member States using the Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI). This article analyses the evolution of digitalisation in Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries, focusing on the progress achieved in several key areas, such as the digitalisation of SMEs and the use of advanced technologies, including electronic data sharing, big data analytics, and artificial intelligence. The study also includes a case analysis of Romania, highlighting that, although the country has recorded the highest post-pandemic progress in the digitalisation of SMEs, it continues to rank among the lowest in the region for most DESI indicators, particularly regarding the use of big data and the adoption of artificial intelligence. The conclusions emphasise the need for continuous investment in developing digital skills and IT infrastructure, as well as the adoption of an integrated strategy to fully leverage the potential of digitalisation for enhancing productivity and economic competitiveness.