Strategy for the Digitalization of Education in Romania (2021–2027)

The SMART.Edu Strategy, or ‘Strategy for the Digitalization of Education in Romania (2021–2027),‘ serves as a roadmap to revolutionise the Romanian education system through digital transformation. This strategic initiative aligns with European Union priorities and addresses the specific challenges and opportunities that Romania faces in integrating digital tools and technologies into its educational framework. The strategy is built on a holistic understanding of the evolving digital landscape and its profound impact on education, employment, and societal well-being.

The name ‘SMART.Edu’ reflects its commitment to creating a School system that is Modern, Accessible, built on Resources, and equipped with advanced digital Technologies. It emphasises collaboration between students, teachers, policymakers, and the broader community to create an inclusive, high-performing digital educational environment. The initiative emerged as a response to the accelerated adoption of online education necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted significant gaps in digital infrastructure, literacy, and accessibility across Romania.

By focusing on long-term sustainability, SMART.Edu aims to not only address immediate needs but also prepare the education system for the challenges of the future, including the rise of emerging professions, a globalised job market, and the transition to a green and digital economy. It seeks to integrate technology as a cornerstone of teaching, learning, and administration, ensuring equitable access for all students while fostering a culture of innovation and creativity.

Strategic principles:

• Accessibility: Ensuring inclusive education by providing robust digital infrastructure and emerging technologies.
• Connectivity: Promoting digital literacy and combating misinformation while using open educational resources.
• Community Engagement: Actively involving educators, parents, local authorities, and other stakeholders in decision-making and implementation.
• High-Performance Digital Ecosystem: Establishing a secure, ethical, and efficient environment for digital education.
• Innovation: Encouraging creativity and entrepreneurial thinking through advanced digital tools and platforms.
• Sustainability: Building a resilient educational system with predictable long-term goals and inter-sectoral collaboration.

Key action areas:

• Digital Competence Development for students and educators to ensure readiness for the modern workforce.
• Adapting the curriculum to emerging professions and emphasising skills such as STEM, entrepreneurship, and sustainability.
• Lifelong Learning opportunities for all citizens to remain competitive in a digital economy.
• Modernising digital infrastructure across educational institutions, including high-speed internet and cutting-edge technologies.
• Prioritising Cybersecurity, Data Protection, and Digital Ethics to safeguard online interactions and promote responsible IT usage.
• Expanding the availability and use of Open Educational Resources (OER) to democratize learning materials.

Target goals by 2027:

• Achieve digital literacy for 90% of the population.
• Equip all educational institutions with modern digital tools and resources.
• Ensure 82% of young adults aged 20–34 successfully integrate into the job market for emerging professions.

The SMART.Edu strategy recognises the pivotal role of digital skills in modern society and strives to embed these competencies into the fabric of Romanian education. It not only seeks to improve digital accessibility and literacy but also aims to create a system that is dynamic, inclusive, and responsive to the evolving needs of students, educators, and employers. The strategy builds on past achievements while addressing systemic shortcomings, creating a future where digital education becomes a cornerstone of sustainable national development.