The IT field has evolved beyond the traditional boundaries of an industry. It is now a window into the future, offering insights into a rapidly emerging reality that could be described as science fiction.
We are aware of this, even those of us who work in IT and are involved in the development of new technologies. The pace of development is so challenging that almost exceeds the ability to practically use technologies such as ChatGPT, Machine Learning, Extended Reality.
We recently gained an understanding of this during the three-day digitisation summit, organised by the National Institute for Research – Development in Informatics (ICI) in Bucharest, at the Palace of the Parliament. The event represented the seventh edition of the Critical Infrastructure Protection Forum and, simultaneously, the third edition of the International Cyber-Diplomacy Conference.
First the good news…
- Despite initial concerns, it has been established that AI is designed to automate repetitive and monotonous tasks, rather than replacing human workers. In fact, AI will contribute to the labour market, with three-quarters of automotive and aerospace companies expecting to expand their workforce.
At SIMAVI, we utilise Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in numerous projects, including those intended for local public administration. These include Virtual Clerk Antonia, developed for Cluj-Napoca City Hall, and a similar project for Galați City Hall. Additionally, we act as consortium coordinators for TeamAware, BorderUAS, EnergyShield and SHIFT, AI-embedded projects for Law Enforcement Agencies, border police, utilities providers and even cultural institutions.
The main trend in digitisation is towards Generative AI, an emerging technology that is beginning to revolutionise various industries by allowing machines to create content that resembles human-generated work.
- Java remains the most popular coding technology, with JavaScript and SQL trailing behind. The positive aspect is that at SIMAVI we already have projects in these technologies, we have specialists and we are in this trend. The negative aspect is that we don’t have enough specialists – and in fact no one does. There are simply not enough programmers on the market for the number of business opportunities that arise, for projects developed in these technologies. The paradox is that once the wave of Java graduates has saturated the IT market, the demand for emerging programming technologies will already have changed.
- Virtual Reality is becoming increasingly prevalent in the field of education, with training specialists becoming a key area of interest. Our shooting and fighter jet demonstrations have proven to be particularly successful, with visitors from a diverse range of professional backgrounds, including military, nuclear, transportation and production.
- Gender equality – there’s no point in asking “how do you get on as a female developer/tester/manager/ in a man’s world?” because half the people at the event were women. The summit at the Palace of Parliament even had a panel called “She’s Leading: Empowering Leadership and Change”, chaired by Carmen Elena Cîrnu, research director at the ICI.
At SIMAVI, gender equality is part of the company’s policy. We have women in all departments: we have women in top management positions, women in complicated technical roles.
SIMAVI was represented at the Digital Innovation Summit debates by Monica Florea, Head of European Projects at SIMAVI. Monica Florea was invited to the panel “Unlocking the Digital Future – Innovative Solution Showcase” to present the latest research and development projects we are involved in.
And finally, news of concern to us all…
- The term “Cybersecurity” has been replaced in conversations by “cyber-attack”. For many companies and institutions, a cyber-attack is no longer an eventuality, but a crisis they have already experienced, and the concern to increase security measures with the latest technologies is high.
In the EnergyShield R&D project, SIMAVI is developing “cybersecurity of the grid” technologies, i.e. cybersecurity for critical infrastructures. The technologies used in these R&D projects are among the latest, and companies offering cybersecurity services have every chance of being among the top IT companies in the future.
It is difficult to predict which technologies will dominate the next decade. That’s why we try to be present at the events that showcase the latest solutions and innovative technologies, as well as the digital trends that will shape our future, everyone’s future.
