ITBridge: A New Stage of Interaction Between Ukraine and the EU in the Digital Sector
IT ClusterThe Kharkiv IT Cluster team has returned from Romania, where the kickoff meeting of the international ITBridge project took place. This article explores the new project, the results of international cluster cooperation, industry development prospects, and the path toward digital economy transformation.
What is ITBridge?
ITBridge is a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening cooperation between the European Union and Ukraine in the digital sector.
The project unites three key Ukrainian IT clusters — Kharkiv IT Cluster, IT Dnipro Community, and Odesa IT Family—with two European clusters — Transilvania IT Cluster IT Cluster (Romania) and Digital Cluster of Catalonia (Spain).
The project officially launched on February 13-14 in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. The Kharkiv IT Cluster team participated in meetings and presentations to discuss future opportunities.
ITBridge Day One: Presentations, Challenges, and Success Stories
On February 13, the ITBridge project held its kickoff meeting. Consortium participants presented their IT clusters, shared experiences, and success stories to better understand each other and collaborate more effectively.
The first day’s activities consisted of two key parts:
- Partner introductions – discussing each cluster’s strengths and its role in the project.
- Strategic planning – defining key objectives, integrating clusters into the project, and implementing initiatives at the regional level.
During the official launch meeting, participants presented the project structure, funding, and strategic goals. Key discussions focused on the development of Ukraine’s IT industry, integration into the European market, and the creation of new business connections.
Digitalization Development and Knowledge Exchange: ITBridge Day Two
The second day of ITBridge focused on learning from Romanian partners at Transilvania IT Cluster IT Cluster. The Kharkiv IT Cluster team visited Transylvania EDIH to observe successful digitalization examples in practice.
This is particularly important since the Kharkiv IT Cluster coordinates Eastern Ukraine EDIH— the first European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) in eastern Ukraine, aimed at digitalizing and improving key industrial processes.
🔹 Key locations visited by our team:
- Institutul Național de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Tehnologii Izotopice și Moleculare – a partner of Transilvania EDIH
- Centrul TEAM – Cluj Innovation Park
- Transylvanian Furniture Cluster
Participants also discussed crucial topics such as:
- The integration of EDIH into SME operations to boost digitalization and improve key processes.
- Challenges encountered during EDIH implementation.
- Key digital service delivery processes for SMEs.
- Organizational aspects of project management.
Certification, client engagement, and adaptation to European standards were also highlighted. One of the biggest challenges for Ukrainian clusters remains gaining trust from European partners.
📌 Main outcome of Day Two – exchanging experience with a successful EDIH and its partners to support the growth of Eastern Ukraine EDIH.
Prospects and Next Steps
The ITBridge project is a crucial step toward strengthening cooperation between Ukrainian and European IT clusters. Thanks to international partnerships, Ukrainian companies gain more opportunities for integration into global tech markets, knowledge exchange, and access to cutting-edge digital solutions.
“Ultimately, we hope this project will help us adapt to European standards, increase competitiveness, and contribute to the sustainable development of Ukraine’s tech industry,”
— Olga Shapoval, Executive Director of Kharkiv IT Cluster.
Upcoming ITBridge initiatives include:
🔹 Expanding international partnerships and building new business connections.
🔹 Engaging European experts to enhance the digitalization of Ukrainian enterprises.
🔹 Preparing Ukrainian IT companies for European market integration through educational programs and business meetings.
ITBridge lays the foundation for long-term cooperation, fostering the growth of Ukraine’s tech industry and seamless integration into Europe’s digital future.
🚀 Join the Kharkiv IT Cluster to build Ukraine’s IT future! Gain access to international projects, educational programs, and new business opportunities.
