AI and Cybersecurity are among two of the hottest topics of the moment, standing at the core of digital transformation across Europe. Under DIH4Society, Cluj IT brings together thought leaders, experts and practitioners in Cluj-Napoca for the Digital Transformation Experience 2025 (DTX) Conference to explore what the future holds in terms of digital transformation, cybersecurity and AI adoption within Europe’s framework for technology.

What to expect
The conference will take place in Cluj Napoca, on the 30th September 2025, and it focuses on 4 main topics of discussion.

The first discussion focuses on how the European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) are evolving from service-oriented support structures into strategic actors driving digital transformation across Europe, under the topic: From Support to Impact: The Strategic Role of EDIHs in Europe’s Digital Future. The discussions will cover key points such as the strategic value of the EDIHs and how they can work alongside national and European AI Factories to democratize access to trustworthy AI and create stronger innovation pipelines. This panel brings together thought leaders and practitioners to share diverse perspectives — regional, national, and European — on how EDIHs can anchor Europe’s digital future and it is moderated by Andrei Kelemen, the CEO of Cluj IT. Among the valuable voices you’ll hear on this topic are those of Simeon Stoyanov (Discoverer Business development manager and leading conceptualist at Bulgarian AI Factory BRAIN++) and Stelian Brad (President of Cluj IT).

Moving on, we’ll explore how public sector institutions must rethink governance models to stay effective, inclusive and trustworthy in the digital age, under the title: Rethinking Governance in the Digital Age. From agile policymaking and data-driven services to AI oversight and participatory platforms, the discussion will focus on how to build responsive, transparent, and citizen-centric governance in a time of rapid technological change. The discussion will be moderated by Erik Barna (Digital Journey Coordinator at DIH4Society) with the participation of Jarosław Parzuchowski (CEO of Interizon) and Sebastiano Toffaletti (Secretary General of the CEO at European Digital SME Alliance) among other leaders in this field.

After the lunch break, the third panel of the day is Trust by Design: Cybersecurity as a Foundation for Digital Society and it dives into how cybersecurity must be embedded “by design” into the technologies, services, and infrastructures shaping Europe’s digital future. The focus will be on how cybersecurity can be a strategic enabler of trust, resilience, and innovation — from public services and AI applications to critical infrastructure and SME digitalization. Moderated by Cristian Ureche (Product Management expert and trainer at DIH4Society) and with the participation of Justina Bielauskaite (Innovation Director at European Digital SME Alliance) among other experts, the discussion wants to map a path toward a secure-by-design digital society — one where trust is not an afterthought, but a principle built in from the start.

The last topic of the day will be AI for Society: From Emerging Tech to Everyday Impact and it focuses on how AI is no longer a futuristic concept, but it affects us on every level: how we work, learn and care for one another. Main key points include how AI can deliver tangible everyday benefits if developed and deployed responsibly and examining real-world use cases in areas like healthcare, public services, education, and local governance. Moderated by Radu Rujan (Expert for DIH4SOciety) and with speakers such as Camelia Lemnaru (Professor at Technical University of Cluj-Napoca) and Radu Orghidan (AI Innovator at Endava), the spotlight will be on how to turn emerging AI technologies into meaningful social innovation.

“DTX Conference 2025 stands at the intersection of innovation and impact. By spotlighting AI, cybersecurity, and the vital role of European Digital Innovation Hubs, we’re empowering organizations across Europe to embrace transformation with confidence. This event is where ideas become solutions, and where collaboration drives a secure, intelligent, and inclusive digital future.”, has declared Stelian Brad, President of Cluj IT Cluster.

The event includes a Hackathon (on 29th September) and a Brokerage and Matchmaking session on 1st October - you can read more details here: https://dtx2025.dih4society.ro
The conference is organized as part of the eDIH4Society project, coordinated by Cluj IT
Cluster and carried out in partnership with the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, the
Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Bistrița-Năsăud, and the University of Oradea.