Between November 6–7, 2025, the Technical University of Moldova (UTM) hosted the 7th edition of the International Conference “Competitiveness and Sustainable Development” (CSD). The event has established itself as a key scientific forum capable of bringing together academic, economic, and research elites from across the globe to analyze strategic directions for the sustainable development of contemporary society.
Organized under the auspices of the Faculty of Economic Engineering and Business (FIEB), the conference has become a landmark of interdisciplinary dialogue and international scientific cooperation. Bringing together 139 researchers and practitioners from 15 countries, both in-person and online, CSD 2025 demonstrated UTM’s ability to build bridges between diverse academic and cultural spaces. About 50% of the participants came from abroad, notably from Romania (44.3%), Ukraine (22.9%), Mongolia (8.6%), Morocco (5.7%), Israel (4.3%), as well as from the USA, Poland, Czech Republic, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Bulgaria, Japan, and Uzbekistan. This significant international participation reflects UTM’s openness to knowledge exchange and positions the conference as a space for reflection on how applied research can generate sustainable policies and solutions.
In a global context defined by the green transition and accelerated digital transformations, the conference approached the paradigm of sustainability not just as a research direction, but as a strategic framework for societal development. The analysis presented during the plenary session highlighted the interdependence between competitiveness, responsibility, and adaptability, demonstrating that the future of the economy is built through scientific collaboration and intellectual solidarity.
In the official opening, Professor Vasile Tronciu, Vice-Rector for Research at UTM, emphasized the strategic importance of international cooperation and applied research in the university’s mission:
“Sustainability is no longer just a theoretical concept, but a necessity for progress. Through conferences like CSD, the Technical University of Moldova contributes to the development of a scientific culture based on responsibility, innovation, and international cooperation. True competitiveness today is measured by the ability to generate useful knowledge and transform it into durable solutions for society.”
Associate Professor Rafael Ciloci, Dean of FIEB and coordinator of the conference, also highlighted the role of the faculty as a strategic mediator between academia and the economic environment:
“FIEB promotes impactful research, oriented toward the real needs of the economy. This conference confirms that UTM is increasingly becoming a trusted partner within the European space of education and research, a catalyst for interdisciplinary dialogue and for developing competencies for the digital economy.”
Supporting this vision of cooperation, Carmen Năstase, Dean of the Faculty of Economics, Administration, and Business at “Ștefan cel Mare” University of Suceava, stated:
“The academic partnership between institutions in Moldova and Romania is a valuable source of knowledge exchange and best practices. Cross-border scientific collaboration contributes to strengthening the European space of education and research, offering new opportunities for young researchers and the sustainable development of our communities.”
The conference proceedings unfolded through several thematic sessions that shaped a shared vision of sustainability as the new development paradigm. Speakers emphasized the interdependence between competitiveness, digitalization, and social responsibility, demonstrating that sustainable development cannot be achieved without real interconnection between the economy, education, technology, and organizational culture:
The green transition and digitalization as drivers of global economic progress;
European integration – structural reform processes and legislative harmonization in the Republic of Moldova;
Circular economy and emerging skills – benchmarks for future competitiveness;
Strategic leadership and organizational ethics – strengthening institutional resilience through cooperation between academia and the business sector;
Digital marketing and corporate responsibility – adapting communication strategies to sustainability principles;
Sustainable finance and digitalized accounting – essential transformations for a resilient and transparent economy.
A significant moment of the event was the participation of young researchers and PhD students, who brought fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to current economic and environmental challenges. Their presence confirmed the potential of the new generation to redefine sustainability as a tool for progress and social cohesion.
The event was strengthened by lasting academic partnerships – particularly with “Ștefan cel Mare” University of Suceava – and by effective collaboration on prestigious European projects: Jean Monnet Chair – EUleadSD, Erasmus+ Skills4Future, and Erasmus+ e-agriMBA. These initiatives reflect UTM’s commitment to actively contribute to the integration of the Republic of Moldova into the European space of research and innovation.
Participants also highlighted the conference’s importance for both the scientific community and the professional environment, underlining the significance of publishing results in the CSD Proceedings volume and expanding international cooperation networks.
In conclusion, the CSD 2025 Conference reaffirmed the role of the Faculty of Economic Engineering and Business as a promoter of academic excellence and a sustainable vision. The discussions confirmed the central idea that modern universities are more than spaces of learning – they are laboratories of ideas, centers of strategic analysis, and active agents in shaping sustainable development policies. Thus, the Technical University of Moldova positions itself as a strategic actor in building a future rooted in knowledge, innovation, and responsibility – fundamental values of a sustainable society.
The Faculty of Economic Engineering and Business extends sincere thanks to all participants, moderators, and partners for their active involvement and valuable contributions to the success of the event, while also expressing openness to developing new academic and research collaborations aimed at strengthening international cooperation and expanding the positive impact of this conference in the coming years.
