Sfetcu, Nicolae (2025), The Evolution and Impact of Computer Programming in Romania, IT & C, 4:1, 58-69, DOI: 10.58679/IT16472, https://www.internetmobile.ro/the-evolution-and-impact-of-computer-programming-in-romania/

Abstract

Romania has emerged as a dynamic player in the field of computer programming, with a growing reputation, cultivating innovative technology startups, and attracting multinational tech companies. Historically shaped by a strong tradition in mathematics and engineering, Romania’s programming scene has evolved through socialist-era constraints, post-1989 liberalization, and increasing integration into the global digital economy. With a robust educational foundation, a thriving IT industry, and a reputation for high-quality software development, Romania is increasingly recognized as a hub of innovation. Today, Romanian programmers contribute significantly to the country’s economic growth, both through their work in local tech hubs and in the international IT ecosystem.

This article explores the historical development, educational infrastructure, industry growth, challenges, and future prospects of computer programming in Romania.

Keywords: Romania, computer programming, information technology, IT resources, programmers, software

Evoluția și impactul programării pe calculator în România

Rezumat

România a apărut ca un jucător dinamic în domeniul programării computerelor, cu o reputație în creștere pentru a produce dezvoltatori de software calificați, a cultiva startup-uri inovatoare în tehnologie și a atrage companii multinaționale de tehnologie. Conturată istoric de o tradiție puternică în matematică și inginerie, scena de programare a României a evoluat prin constrângerile din epoca socialistă, liberalizarea post-1989 și integrarea crescândă în economia digitală globală. Cu o bază educațională solidă, o industrie IT înfloritoare și o reputație pentru dezvoltarea de software de înaltă calitate, România este din ce în ce mai recunoscută ca un centru al inovației. Astăzi, programatorii români contribuie semnificativ la creșterea economică a țării, atât prin activitatea lor în hub-urile tehnologice locale, cât și în ecosistemul IT internațional.

Acest articol explorează dezvoltarea istorică, infrastructura educațională, creșterea industriei, provocările și perspectivele de viitor ale programării computerelor în România.

Cuvinte cheie: Romania, programare pe calculator, tehnologia informației, resurse IT, programatori, software

IT & C, Volumul 4, Numărul 1, Martie 2025, pp. 58-69
ISSN 2821 – 8469, ISSN – L 2821 – 8469, DOI: 10.58679/IT16472
URL: https://www.internetmobile.ro/the-evolution-and-impact-of-computer-programming-in-romania/
© 2025 Nicolae Sfetcu. Responsabilitatea conținutului, interpretărilor și opiniilor exprimate revine exclusiv autorilor.

The Evolution and Impact of Computer Programming in Romania

Ing. fiz. Nicolae SFETCU[1], MPhil
nicolae@sfetcu.com

[1] Cercetător – Academia Română – Comitetul Român de Istoria și Filosofia Științei și Tehnicii (CRIFST), Divizia de Istoria Științei (DIS), ORCID: 0000-0002-0162-9973

Introduction

Romania has emerged as a dynamic player in the field of computer programming, with a growing reputation for producing skilled software developers, cultivating innovative technology startups, and attracting multinational tech companies. Historically shaped by a strong tradition in mathematics and engineering, Romania’s programming scene has evolved through socialist-era constraints, post-1989 liberalization, and increasing integration into the global digital economy. With a robust educational foundation, a thriving IT industry, and a reputation for high-quality software development, Romania is increasingly recognized as a hub of innovation. Today, Romanian programmers contribute significantly to the country’s economic growth, both through their work in local tech hubs and in the international IT ecosystem.

This essay explores the historical development, educational infrastructure, industry growth, challenges, and future prospects of computer programming in Romania.

1. Historical Overview

Early Beginnings

The roots of Romania’s programming prowess trace back to the communist era, where emphasis was placed on technical education. During the communist era (1947–1989), Romania’s educational system emphasized mathematics and engineering disciplines. Although direct access to cutting-edge computing technology was limited, the country established a foundational computational culture through engineering schools and research institutes. One pivotal organization was the Institute for Atomic Physics (IFA) in Măgurele, near Bucharest, which carried out computational physics research that required specialized programming skills (IFA 2025). Moreover, universities such as the Politehnica University of Bucharest and the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca maintained rigorous curricula in mathematics and computer science, laying the groundwork for future generations of programmers.

Post-1989 Liberalization

Following the 1989 revolution, Romania transitioned to a market-oriented economy, which opened doors for private sector entrepreneurship. Computers became more accessible, leading to a surge in tech-focused businesses and the rise in software outsourcing. As Romania sought integration with the European Union, its legislative and economic reforms attracted foreign investors and multinational tech companies, eventually establishing the country’s reputation as a hub for reliable, cost-effective programming services (European Commission 2022).

The post-1989 democratic transition catalyzed technological advancement. The early 2000s saw Romania leveraging its skilled workforce to attract multinational corporations (MNCs) like Microsoft and IBM, establishing the country as a destination for IT outsourcing (Barbu 2019). By the 2010s, homegrown startups like UiPath began gaining international acclaim, marking Romania’s shift from outsourcing to innovation.

Education and Workforce Development

Romania’s education system prioritizes STEM disciplines. Universities such as Politehnica University of Bucharest and Babes-Bolyai University offer rigorous computer science programs, producing over 5,000 IT graduates annually (STEAMonEdu 2020). Complementary initiatives like the Informal School of IT and Codecool provide practical training, addressing industry demands. Romanian students consistently excel in competitions like the International Olympiad in Informatics, underscoring the quality of education (Cârligeanu 2024).

Growth of the Tech Industry

Romania’s IT sector contributes approximately 6% to its GDP, with software exports exceeding €8 billion in 2022 (ANIS 2024). Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Bucharest have evolved into tech hubs, hosting MNCs and startups. UiPath, a global leader in robotic process automation, exemplifies local success, becoming Romania’s first tech unicorn in 2018 (Rogers 2019). The outsourcing sector remains vital, with Romania ranked among Europe’s top destinations due to cost efficiency and language proficiency (Comisia Europeană 2022).

2. Current state of technological resources

Romania has made considerable progress in establishing a modern technological infrastructure. The country boasts one of the fastest internet speeds globally, often ranking among the top in Europe in terms of broadband quality. According to recent data, Romania’s average internet speed is around 200 Mbps, which places it among the leaders in Europe for accessibility (European Commission 2023).

The ICT (Information and Communications Technology) sector is a prominent driver of economic growth, contributing approximately 7% of Romania’s GDP (Goschin and Constantin 2007). Large cities such as Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Iași have developed into vibrant technology hubs, hosting both multinational corporations and a growing number of successful startups. In addition, Romania’s software development sector is recognized for its high-quality coding capabilities, largely due to the strong emphasis on STEM (science, engineering, technology, and mathematics) education.

According to (European Commission 2024b), Romania has recorded an increase in the quality of its research system by 33.8% points, although the attractiveness of Romanian research systems remains at 37.7% of the EU average in 2024. In digitalization, Romania has increased by 36.9% since 2017, with a performance of 144.4% of the EU average in 2024 in terms of broadband penetration (first in the EU). Digital skills remain modest, with a performance of 21.3% of the EU average in 2024.

Figure 1. Developments in Romania compared to other EU countries. Source: (European Commission 2024b)

Romania’s position in the EU

Romania holds a unique position in the European Union in terms of technological resources. While it has made considerable progress in areas such as broadband speed, ranking among the first in Europe in terms of high-speed internet availability, other indicators, such as digital literacy and the development of technological infrastructure, lag behind many Western European countries. Romania benefits from the relatively low cost of high-speed internet access, which has encouraged its adoption, but faces challenges in terms of uneven development between urban and rural areas, with rural regions often under-served in technological investment.

According to the European Commission’s Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) for 2023 (Comisia Europeană 2022), Romania ranks 26th out of 27 EU countries, indicating significant room for improvement in digital inclusion and technology use. (European Commission 2024c) Romania scores well above the EU average in internet speed, largely due to investment in optical fiber infrastructure. However, it continues to struggle with issues such as low digital skills among its population and insufficient e-government services, which hinder the wider potential benefits of these technological resources.

Figure 2. Digital skills, Romania vs. the European Union (Comisia Europeană 2023)

Infrastructure analysis: broadband coverage, 5G rollout and internet accessibility

Romania’s broadband infrastructure is one of the best in Europe, primarily in urban areas. Fixed broadband coverage is available to more than 87% of households with high-speed connections provided by extensive fiber optic networks. This strong presence is partly due to the early liberalization of the telecommunications sector and large investments by both public and private stakeholders. Romania boasts some of the highest average internet speeds in the EU, particularly in larger cities such as Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca and Timișoara. (European Commission 2024a)

Figure 3. Digital Infrastructure, Romania vs. EU (Comisia Europeană 2023)

In 2021, Romania ranked 5th in the world in terms of fixed broadband Internet connection, with average download speeds of 214 Mbit/s (Speedtest 2024). In Romania, broadband internet has been available since 2000, via coaxial cable, first from Kappa (now owned by UPC) and currently from DIGI and UPC. Recent speeds range between 10 Mbit/s and 1000 Mbit/s for household plans, and data traffic is unmetered.

However, the rollout of 5G in Romania has faced delays compared to other EU countries. While 5G pilot networks have been launched in several cities, nationwide coverage remains limited. Implementation has been slowed by regulatory hurdles, delays in spectrum auctions, and geopolitical concerns over equipment suppliers. The Romanian government has set out to accelerate the rollout of 5G, particularly in key urban centers, as part of its broader digital transformation agenda to align more closely with EU standards. (Media Galaxy 2024)

Internet accessibility is also a mixed picture in Romania. Urban residents generally enjoy fast and affordable internet access, while rural areas struggle with connectivity. Around 40% of Romania’s rural population lacks sufficient broadband coverage, and the digital divide between urban and rural areas remains a major challenge. Initiatives such as the National Broadband Plan have been launched to address this disparity, but progress has been slower than anticipated. (European Commission 2024a)

Key indicators: ICT sector growth, digital literacy rates and availability of technological resources

The ICT sector in Romania has experienced consistent growth, contributing significantly to the country’s GDP. In 2022, the ICT sector accounted for around 6% of Romania’s GDP, and the trend is expected to continue as the sector benefits from a skilled workforce specialized in software development and IT services. Romania is home to several key technology hubs, with Cluj-Napoca emerging as a growing center for startups and technology innovation. The country is also known for its outsourcing and exports of IT services, which have expanded rapidly in recent years. (Goschin and Constantin 2007)

Despite the growth of the ICT sector, Romania’s digital literacy rates remain among the lowest in the EU. The DESI 2023 report (Comisia Europeană 2023) shows that only around 31% of the Romanian population has basic digital skills, compared to an EU average of around 54%. This gap reflects a critical bottleneck in harnessing technological resources to their full potential. Educational reforms and training programs aimed at increasing digital skills have been initiated, but systemic challenges, such as limited access to technology in rural schools and a lack of emphasis on ICT skills in the curriculum, have hindered progress.

Figure 4. Business Digitalization, Romania vs. EU (Comisia Europeană 2023)

In terms of the availability of technological resources, Romania has a relatively high number of computer science graduates, which supports a growing ICT industry. The country is also investing in digital public services, but these efforts are still in their early stages, with many public institutions still not adopting e-government solutions effectively. Government programs, such as Romania’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan, aim to improve digital infrastructure and public digital services, representing an important step towards closing the gap with the rest of the EU.

3. Modern Programming Landscape

Software Outsourcing and Service Providers

Throughout the 2000s, software outsourcing became a major growth driver in Romania. Cities such as Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Iași, and Timișoara emerged as hotspots for international IT companies setting up development centers. Major global firms like Microsoft, IBM, HP, and Oracle have established significant operations in Romania, leveraging the country’s pool of skilled programmers (ANIS 2025). The steady inflow of foreign capital also spurred the creation of locally owned IT firms that specialize in software development, testing, and IT consulting services.

Rise of Local Startups

Beyond outsourcing, Romania has seen the rise of homegrown startups with global reach. Innovative companies such as UiPath—a pioneer in Robotic Process Automation (RPA)—have made headlines worldwide, illustrating Romania’s capacity for software innovation. The robust presence of venture capital and tech incubators, including Risky Business in Cluj-Napoca and Techcelerator in Bucharest, supports this entrepreneurial ecosystem (Techcelerator 2024).

Skilled Workforce and Education

Romania’s education system continues to prioritize STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, frequently producing award-winning students at international competitions such as the International Olympiad in Informatics. Leading universities, including the Babeș-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca and the Alexandru Ioan Cuza University in Iași, offer competitive programs in computer science and software engineering. Alongside formal education, numerous private academies and tech conferences—such as How to Web and DevTalks—provide ongoing training and community engagement for Romanian programmers (DevTalks 2025).

4. Challenges and Opportunities

Brain Drain and Talent Retention

One key challenge is the “brain drain,” as many talented Romanian programmers seek higher-paying jobs in Western Europe or North America (OECD 2019). While remote work opportunities have somewhat mitigated this issue, retaining and attracting skilled workers remains critical for sustaining the country’s digital transformation.

Brain drain is significant, with 15% of IT professionals emigrating for higher wages in Western Europe (Gavriloaia 2020). Infrastructure gaps in rural areas and bureaucratic hurdles also hinder progress. However, initiatives like the „Digital Romania” strategy aim to mitigate these issues by improving digital infrastructure and retaining talent (Comisia Europeană 2022).

Infrastructure Gaps

Despite notable improvements in recent years, certain regions in Romania still face infrastructure gaps, particularly in rural areas. Limited high-speed internet, fewer tech job opportunities, and less developed local economies can hinder the growth of the programming sector beyond major urban centers (Guvernul României 2015).

Regulatory Environment

Romania’s membership in the European Union drives the alignment of local regulations with EU standards, including data privacy (GDPR) and cybersecurity directives. Although these regulations can ensure secure digital services, they also require continuous compliance efforts and can pose challenges for smaller startups with limited resources.

Future Prospects

Moving forward, Romania’s programming sector is likely to focus on higher-value, specialized domains, including artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, blockchain, and cybersecurity. EU-funded digital innovation programs, coupled with strong domestic expertise, present promising opportunities for growth and leadership in emerging tech fields.

The future is promising, bolstered by EU funding and government initiatives. Tech parks like Cluj IT Park foster innovation, while programs like Startup Nation support entrepreneurs. Romania’s participation in the Digital Europe Programme ensures alignment with continental digital goals (Comisia Europeană 2022). The rise of AI and blockchain startups signals diversification beyond traditional software development.

Conclusion

Romania’s computer programming landscape has come a long way—from the constrained environment of the communist era to becoming a global hotspot for software development. Strong academic foundations in STEM, robust outsourcing and service sectors, and a budding entrepreneurial ecosystem have driven the country’s success in IT. Despite challenges such as talent retention and uneven infrastructure, Romania is well-positioned to continue growing as a regional tech leader, creating new opportunities not only for local programmers but also for global companies and investors.

By fostering innovation, strengthening educational programs, and encouraging cooperation between government, academia, and the private sector, Romania can sustain its reputation as a leading source of top-tier programming talent and cutting-edge software solutions.

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