PARTNERS
The StrategEast State and IT Eurasian Forum is an annual event held in one of the Eurasian cities that serves as a unique platform that brings together global and local representatives of the private sector, the governments, and the financial institutions. The Forum provides an effective platform to discuss what needs to be done to enhance the innovative economy across the region and to assist the Eurasian countries to integrate into the global economic and security system.
This year, StrategEast is hosting a two-day forum in strategic collaboration with Tekwill, Moldova’s premier networking facilitator in the tech ecosystem, along with Invest Moldova, Moldova Innovation Technology Park, and ABSL Moldova. Supported by USAID and Orange Moldova, this edition of the Forum is a key event within Moldova Business Week 2024.
LEAD TOPIC:
TRUSTWORTHY AI FOR SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY
In the dynamic arena of global politics, economics, and digital innovation, Trustworthy AI emerges as a compelling and urgent topic for discussion across major platforms.
Amidst the lineup of pressing issues such as security, employment, and climate change, AI steps into the spotlight, signaling its pivotal role in shaping our future.
AI’s prominence in headlines is undeniable, promising unprecedented innovation and efficiency gains. Yet, lurking beneath the surface are concerns about privacy, bias, and societal disruption. Can we trust AI to lead us into the future?
Recent global initiatives, from the Bletchley Declaration to the EU’s AI Act, signal progress towards responsible AI governance. But the responsibility doesn’t rest solely on policymakers—businesses must also embrace a culture of responsible innovation, understanding legal landscapes, and engaging with regulators.
The conversation around responsible AI takes center stage, demanding attention, collaboration, and bold action. It is not about ticking boxes. It is about building a future where AI serves as a force for good, enhancing human lives and fostering inclusive prosperity. In 2024 and beyond, the narrative of AI will be shaped not only by technological prowess but by the depth of our commitment to trust, transparency, and ethical stewardship.
The stage is set, and the spotlight beckons. Let’s ensure that our AI-driven future is one we can truly believe in.
FORUM AGENDA
FIRST DAY
11:30-12:00
Participants registration & Welcome coffee
12:00-12:20
Welcome remarks
Anatoly Motkin, President of StrategEast
Dumitru Alaiba, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economic Development and Digitalization
Olga Surugiu, CEO of Orange Moldova
Ana Chirita, Strategic Projects Director at National Association of ICT Companies
12:20-13:00
Keynote speech “Mind the Gap: Keeping Workforces Aligned with the AI Revolution” by Fahed Bizzari, a renowned AI empowerment specialist who helps digital transformation executives build AI capabilities
In this thought-provoking keynote, Fahed will unravel a critical challenge facing organizations today: the widening gap between rapidly advancing AI capabilities and the workforce’s ability to collaborate with AI effectively. The presentation will explore the cutting-edge AI landscape, introduce the AIQ (Augmented Intelligence Quotient) concept, and present actionable strategies for organizations to enhance their workforce’s AIQ, thereby closing the AI capability gap.
13:00-14:20
Global IT Trends 2024: Shaping the Future with AI and Relevant Emerging Technologies
Supported by Orange Moldova
Our prominent expert panelists will delve into the forefront of technological advancements, emerging innovations, and transformative shifts impacting industries worldwide. From AI and cybersecurity to cloud computing, this session will explore how these trends are redefining business strategies and regulations, enhancing efficiencies, and fostering innovation.
Moderator – Ana Chirita, Strategic Projects Director at National Association of ICT Companies
Speakers: Cezara Panait, Head of Government Affairs & Public Policy, Google Romania, Bulgaria and Moldova, Victor Sagaidac, Chief Information and Data Officer at Orange Moldova, Veaceslav Cunev, Member of the Board ATIC, Entrepreneur and Startups Founder
14:20-16:00
Lunch
16:00-16:50
Global Resilience and Innovation in Business Services: Exploring Local and International Trends
Join ABSL International as they explore the resilience and innovation within the business services sector. This panel will analyze both local and international trends, examining how businesses adapt to global challenges while leveraging innovative solutions. Gain insights into strategies that enhance operational resilience and drive growth in the evolving landscape of business services.
Moderator – Olga Levitscaia, Executive Director of ABSL Moldova
Speakers: Andrew Wrobel, Founding Partner of Emerging Europe, Lilia Sinciuc-Engelen, Business Consultant, Project Manager and Business Developer, Honorary President ABSL Moldova, Operational Executive Moldova of Belgium Luxembourg Romanian Moldovan Chamber of Commerce, Daniela Vicol, Country Manager H.Essers Moldova, and Alexandru Canter, Head of Investment Promotion Department, Invest Moldova
17:00-17:50
Digital Transformation in Eurasia: The Role of International Donors
Supported by USAID Moldova
This session will focus on how global aid agencies can leverage the evolving IT industry in Eurasia, which has not only become an economic powerhouse but also a socio-political catalyst. Key topics include fostering innovation aligned with Western values, strategic collaboration to maximize donor impact in the region’s digital transformation, and integrating AI to advance development goals.
Moderator – Irina Buzu, Advisor to the Deputy Prime-Minister, Minister for Economic Development and Digitalisation of Moldova
Speakers: William Trigg, Economic Growth Office Director at USAID Moldova, Maria Claudia Pachon, Senior Digital Development Specialist at World Bank, Galina Cicanci, Country Officer for Moldova at IFC, Thomas Alveteg, Deputy Head of Cooperation at Embassy of Sweden in Moldova, Dumitru Buhai, Analyst, Advice for Small Business Programme within the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
SUM IT UP #6: Global Connect – Powered by MITP
18:00-18:30
Registration & Networking
18:30 – 18:35
Opening Statements: Marina Bzovîi, Administrator MITP
18:35 – 18:50
Welcome speech:
Dorin Recean, Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova
Dumitru Alaiba, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development and Digitalization
18:50- 19:15
Presentation: “MITP: Hub of Innovation and Global Connectivity. General Figures and Impact”, Marina Bzovîi, Administrator MITP
19:15-20:00
Global acquisitions success stories of 3 resident companies
Vadim Echim, Moderator, Business Consultant
Cristina Matciac, HR Business Partner & Site Manager, Cegeka
Vasile Putina, CTO Pentalog / VP of Technology Globant
Mihai Cernei, General Manager Eastern Europe/ CTO, Amdaris
20:00-20:20
Presentation: What next?, Marina Bzovîi, Administrator MITP
20:20-21:30
Networking & Digital Wine provided by Chateau Vartely. Residents Expo
SECOND DAY
9:00-9:20
Participants registration & Welcome coffee
9:20-9:30
Welcome remarks
09:30-10:50
Future Tech and Service Labor Market in Eurasia: From Brain Drain to Brain Gain
The economy across Eurasian countries faces a critical shortage of qualified specialists, particularly in the tech and service sectors, exacerbated by brain drain as professionals migrate West. This session will explore strategies to enhance skills development, create career development opportunities, retain local talent, and engage the diaspora. Additionally, we will address the impact of AI on the workforce market in the region.
Moderator – Catalina Plinschi, State Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization
Speakers: Irina Stamatovic, Project Coordinator in Help, implementing partner of Helvetas in RECONOMY, Eugenia Danu, President of ABSL Moldova, Executive Director of DOPOMOGA GROUP in Moldova, Vasile Putina, Chief Technology officer at Pentalog, Vice President of Technology at Globant, Pavel Liber, CEO of Nations Digital Platform
11:00- 11:50
Trustworthy AI: Global and Regional Outlook
As AI technologies continue to advance, ensuring trustworthiness becomes paramount to address concerns related to application and use of AI, transparency, privacy, and accountability. Panelists will discuss the principles, frameworks, and practices that underpin Trustworthy AI, aiming to strike a balance between innovation and ethical responsibility. What are the strategies to ensure AI application is efficient but transparent and accountable?
Moderator – Alexandru Gozun, Director of PWC Moldova
Speakers: Irina Buzu, Advisor to the Deputy Prime-Minister, Minister for Economic Development and Digitalisation of Moldova, Salome Khachiauri-Soltau, Head of the Grants Department and working on establishing The Ai Excellence Centre at Georgia’s Innovation and Technology Agency, Olena Andriienko, Member of the Expert Advisory Committee on the Development of AI at the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine and the Chief Legal Tech Officer of Publicis Groupe Ukraine
12:00-12:50
Opportunities for Global IT Companies in Central Asia
Supported by USAID FGI Program
This panel features representatives from Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, including the High Technology Park of Kyrgyzstan, Astana Hub and Business Incubator of Tajikistan. They will join the Moldova Innovation Technology Park to discuss attracting European tech firms to Central Asia, exploring investment opportunities, and fostering regional growth, all while also touching upon collaboration between Central Asia and Moldova. The panel aims to stimulate collaboration between Central Asian IT hubs and Moldova, driving regional economic growth through ICT.
Moderator – Marina Bzovii, Administrator of Moldova Innovation Technology Park
Speakers: Chubak Temirov, Deputy Director of High Technology Park of Kyrgyzstan, Umedjon Komilov, Head of International Department at the State Enterprise Institution “Business Incubator of Tajikistan”, Daniyar Zhumagulov, Director of Technological Centers Office, Astana Hub
12:50-14:00
Lunch
14:00-14:50
Navigating IT Investment and Startup Acceleration in Eurasia
This panel discussion explores the evolving IT investment landscape in Eurasia, focusing on the strategies and challenges faced by both investment funds and startups. We’ll examine how funds identify opportunities, manage risks, and navigate the region’s regulatory frameworks, while also discussing how startups can attract investment, scale their operations, and position themselves for growth. The discussion will highlight the importance of cross-border collaboration in driving innovation and development across the region, emphasizing the synergy between funds and startups in accelerating the IT sector’s growth.
Moderator – Olga Melniciuc, CEO at Startup Moldova
Speakers: Amir Hegazi, Managing Director of Capital Democracy, Steinar Hoel Korsmo, Seed Forum Global Founder & CEO, Nihat Muradzade, Chief Technology Officer at SABAH HUB Innovation Centre of Azerbaijan, Dumitru Ciorici, Digital enthusiast and Chief Business Development Officer at Fagura, Amir Hegazi, Managing Director of Capital Democracy
15:00- 15:50
New Education for the New (AI) Economy: Integrating AI Across Traditional Academia and Corporate Initiatives
Technologies, and in particular AI, are revolutionizing education across both traditional academia and corporate sectors. We explore how prominent educational actors in Eurasia are reshaping the educational landscape. Discover how traditional universities can adapt and incorporate technologies into their curricula to effectively meet evolving industry demands. We’ll also examine successful strategies from different education models, highlighting their innovative approaches to integrating technologies, addressing critical skills gaps, and how media literacy can help with this.
Moderator – Irina Oriol, Executive Director at National Association of ICT Companies
Speakers: Anatol Poiata, Chief of Data Science Department at AC- Technologies, Nana Dikhaminjia, co-founder of Clear Signal Solutions and co-founder of educational non-profit Techdro in Georgia, Jenny Romano, Co-founder and CEO of TheNewsroom
15:55
Closing remarks, coffee and networking
LOCATION
Tekwill
MD-2045, str. Studenților 9/11
StrategEast is a leading independent institution working to develop the Eurasia’s digital economy, in collaboration with international financial institutions, development agencies, global tech companies, and Eurasian governments. StrategEast is a non profit organization with offices in the United States, Ukraine, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan.