Development of digital capacities is key to competitiveness and security in the 3SI region

The event brought together representatives from the public and private sectors to discuss the strategic importance of digital infrastructure for the region’s economic growth, resilience, and security. Participants emphasized that digital infrastructure, alongside energy and transport connectivity, is one of the key pillars of development for the Three Seas Initiative.

Andrea Doko Jelušić, Executive Director of AmCham Croatia, noted that the Three Seas Initiative represents a strong platform for strengthening the competitiveness and resilience of the region’s economies. In her opening remarks, she highlighted the importance of investing in digital capacities as a prerequisite for improving productivity, competitiveness, and resilience across the 3SI region. 

The panel discussion featured representatives of public institutions from 3SI member states, including Iulian Cosmin Mărgeloiu, State Secretary at the Ministry of Economy, Digitalization, Entrepreneurship, and Tourism of Romania, and Nikola Modrušan, Acting Director General of the Directorate for the Development of National Information Infrastructure and Electronic Services at the Ministry of Justice, Public Administration, and Digital Transformation. They were joined by senior representatives of leading global technology companies: Ratko Mutavdžić, Public Sector Government Industry Global Director at Microsoft Corporation; Franco Spicciariello, Director of Public Policy, EU South & CEE at Amazon Web Services; Marta Poslad, Government Affairs and Public Policy Director for CEE and Transatlantic Policy Lead for Europe at Google; and Ralph Rogobete, Government Affairs & Policy Director for Romania and Croatia at Mastercard. 

Panel participants agreed that investments in digital infrastructure, alongside priority investments in reliable cloud solutions, artificial intelligence, and interoperable digital systems, can significantly improve efficiency and enhance the investment attractiveness of the Three Seas Initiative region. 

In conclusion, participants highlighted the need for a strategic shift from the region’s role as a “digital transit area” toward becoming a hub for value creation through innovation, stronger local ecosystems, human capital development, and cooperation with international partners.