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Dangers of AI, Google chapter, Gemini extreme biases integrated into the source code

(0:00) Maybe you’ve heard of something called NVIDIA. (0:02) It sounds like a prescription drug or maybe an African country, but it’s actually a company (0:06) based in California that’s now worth more than all of China’s stock market. (0:11) It’s the size of Canada’s entire economy.

(0:14) Now, in a different era, obtaining this kind of growth meant making a massively popular(0:18) and instantly recognizable consumer-facing product like Windows 95 or Amazon.com or the(0:24) iPhone. (0:25) But NVIDIA’s growth didn’t come from making a computer or a popular website or anything (0:29) like that. (0:29) Instead, NVIDIA’s growth came from making artificial intelligence chips that power the (0:34) brains of computers and many popular websites.

(0:37) That’s why NVIDIA had a very good day on Wall Street on Wednesday. (0:41) Their business, artificial intelligence, is one of the fastest growing industries in the (0:45) history of humanity.(0:46) Every major corporation is rushing to implement AI in all of their products as quickly as possible.

(0:52) And so this week, it was Google’s turn. (0:54) And the results were so disastrous and so fraught with consequences for the future of this country (0:59) that no reasonable person can ignore them. (1:03) Gemini is Google’s name for an AI that you can download on your phone right now.

(1:08) It’s also integrated into all of Google’s web products, including Gmail and Google Search,(1:12) which are used by hundreds of millions of people and businesses every day. (1:16) And in this respect, Gemini is very different from existing AI products like ChatGPT or Bing’s (1:22) Image Creator. (1:23) Pretty much everybody uses a Google product in one way or another.

(1:27) If you have the Internet and you use the Internet, you use a Google product. (1:31) Either you’re using Google Search or Gmail or you have an Android phone or something (1:36) along those lines. (1:37) And that means two things.

(1:38) One, Google has access to a lot more information than those other AI platforms. (1:43) That’s a built-in advantage. (1:44) And two, whatever Google is doing with AI has significant implications for everybody (1:49) on the planet.

(1:51) This is not a one-off experiment in some tech mogul’s basement. (1:54) This is an established company making established products that it’s now implementing in its (2:00) own AI at scale. (2:03) Google has been hyping Gemini for months.

(2:06) They have a bunch of promotional videos about how they’re going to revolutionize artificial(2:09) intelligence. (2:10) Wall Street Journal has done multiple interviews with Google executives in which these executives (2:14) insist that everybody at the company, including Google’s co-founder, is deeply invested in (2:18) making this product as good as it could possibly be. (2:22) Then a couple of days ago, Gemini launched.

(2:24) And very quickly it became clear that, among some other issues, Gemini essentially does(2:29) not recognize the existence of white people, which is kind of concerning for what is destined (2:35) to be what probably already is the most powerful AI on the planet. (2:40) Now even in historical context, it is practically impossible to get this product to serve up (2:45) an image of somebody with white skin. (2:48) And that’s not an exaggeration.

(2:50) So here, for example, is how Gemini responded the other day when Frank Fleming, who’s a(2:54) writer for the Ben Key children’s shows, asked Gemini to create an image of a pope. (3:00) Now you would think that, you know, that would generate maybe an image of a white guy or (3:05) two, if you have even a passing knowledge of what popes have looked like over the years, (3:08) over the centuries, over the millennia. (3:10) And just spoiler on that, they have all been white.

(3:14) But that’s not what Google’s AI product apparently thinks. (3:17) This is the image that it produced. (3:19) And you can see it there.

(3:20) It looks like, you know, they’ve got two popes and one of them is M Night Shyamalan and the (3:24) other one is Forrest Whitaker. (3:26) So it’s almost as if the AI has some sort of code saying, whatever you do, don’t display (3:33) a white person, considering there has never been a pope that has looked anything like (3:38) either of those two ever in 2000 years. (3:42) So is that what they’ve built into this code? (3:45) Have they built into this very powerful AI that it has to ignore the fact that white (3:51) people exist? (3:52) Well, it’s really the only way to explain what we’re seeing here.

(3:56) And Frank, who previously worked as a software engineer, seemed to key in on this. (3:59) So the whole situation quickly became something of a game for him as he tried his hardest to(4:03) get Gemini to produce any image of a white guy. (4:08) I mean, even just like one image.

(4:10) Can you give us a white guy? (4:11) So, for example, he asked Gemini to produce an image of a Viking. (4:15) OK, now this is a group of people who historically were not necessarily known for their commitment (4:21) to diversity, equity and inclusion. (4:23) But here’s what Gemini produced and you can see it here.

(4:26) We’ve got a black Viking, a black female Viking. (4:30) We’ve got it looks like an Asian, an Asian Viking. (4:34) And then I don’t know, maybe that’s the rock down there.

(4:38) That’s that’s that’s the care of his character from Moana, I think. (4:43) Again, literally, a Viking has never looked like any of that. (4:46) That’s that’s not what any Viking ever looked like ever in history.

(4:49) But that’s what they produced. (4:51) This went on for a while. (4:52) And Frank and other Gemini users took turns trying their hardest to get Gemini to produce (4:56) an image of a white guy.

(4:58) Peachy Keenan, for example, tried to get Gemini to generate an image of the founders of Fairchild (5:03) Semiconductor. (5:03) The A.I. flatly refused that request, saying that it violated policy restrictions, presumably (5:09) because white guys founded Fairchild Semiconductor. (5:12) And for other prompts like requests to draw the founding fathers or a bunch of British (5:16) men, Gemini simply generated images of black people, even made sure that its images of (5:22) Nazis contained a diverse, non-white group of people.

(5:27) Now, after thousands of images like this began circulating, a guy working on the Gemini team (5:33) at Google put out a meaningless statement. (5:35) He said, in essence, that they’re aware of issues with Gemini misrepresenting historical (5:41) figures. (5:42) But then he doubled down on the need for D.E.I. and artificial intelligence so that everybody (5:47) feels seen or valued or whatever.

(5:50) And of course, the way to make everyone feel seen is to pretend that an entire race of people (5:55) don’t exist. (5:56) To make sure that they are not seen at all is how you make everybody feel seen. (6:00) At no point did any Google representative explain why their A.I. does not recognize the existence (6:07) of white people or why it goes to extreme lengths to exclude white people from history.

(6:12) There was no accounting to this, even though there has to be an explanation. (6:15) And it’s probably a pretty simple explanation, like this doesn’t happen by accident. (6:18) You obviously put a line of code into this thing to come up with this result.

(6:23) And so why did you do that? (6:25) They wouldn’t explain it. (6:26) So I went looking for an explanation. (6:27) I came across a woman named Jen Gani, who bills herself on her LinkedIn as the founder (6:34) of Google’s global responsible A.I. operations and governance team.

(6:38) In that capacity, Gani says that she ensured Google met its A.I. principles, our company’s(6:43) ethical charter for the development and deployment of fair, inclusive and ethical advanced technologies. (6:48) She says that she took a, quote, principled, risk-based, inclusive approach when conducting (6:52) ethical algorithmic impact assessments of products prior to launch to ensure that they (6:58) didn’t cause unintended or harmful consequences to the billions of Google’s users. (7:03) And apparently, you know, a harmful consequence would be showing an image of a white Viking.

(7:09) That might be very harmful to somebody. (7:11) And so we got to make sure that we don’t let that happen. (7:13) Now currently, Gani says that she’s an A.I. ethics and compliance advisor at Google.

(7:19) Now, what Gani doesn’t mention on her LinkedIn is that her goal for a long time has been(7:23) to treat white people differently based on their skin color. (7:27) That’s what she wants her A.I. to do. (7:28) It’s what she it’s what she does also.

(7:31) Three years ago, Gani delivered a keynote address at an A.I. (7:34) conference in which she admitted all of this. (7:36) After introducing herself with her pronouns, which, by the way, are she, her, in case (7:40) you’re wondering, Gani explains what her philosophy on A.I. (7:44) is. And here’s what she says.

(7:46) Watch. (7:47) We do work together day to day to try and advance the technology and understanding around (7:52) responsible A.I. (7:54) But today, I won’t be speaking as much from the Google perspective, but from my own experience, (8:00) I have worked at Google for over 14 years. (8:02) I’ve led about six different teams, mostly in the user research, the user experience area, (8:08) and now in the ethical user impact area.

(8:11) So I’ll be sharing some of my learnings from across that time, but also some of my failures(8:16) and challenges. (8:17) I think it’s OK to talk about things that you’ve made mistakes in because we will make (8:21) mistakes. (8:22) When we’re trying to be good allies, when we’re trying to be anti-racist, we will make (8:26) mistakes.

(8:27) The point is, though, to keep trying to keep educating yourself and getting better day (8:33) to day. (8:33) It’s about constant learning. (8:36) It’s OK to talk about the things you’ve made mistakes in, says Jen Gani.

(8:41) When we’re trying to be good allies, when we’re trying to be anti-racist, we will make (8:45) mistakes. (8:46) Well, in retrospect, after the launch of Gemini, that would turn out to be kind of a massive (8:51) understatement. (8:53) But the kind of mistakes that Jen Gani is talking about in this keynote aren’t mistakes like (8:57) eliminating all white people from Google’s AI, which seems like a pretty big mistake, (9:01) even though, again, not really a mistake.

(9:02) It’s obviously deliberate. (9:03) Instead, she’s talking about failing to live up to the racist ideals of DEI, which apparently (9:08) means treating non-white employees differently. (9:11) Watch.

(9:41) Right away when I first became a manager. (9:44) I made some stupid assumptions about the fact that I built a diverse team, that then they’d (9:48) simply feel welcome and will feel supported. (9:51) I treated every member of my team the same and expected that that would lead to equally (9:56) good outcomes for everyone.

(9:58) That was not true. (9:59) I got some feedback that a couple of members of my team didn’t feel they belonged because (10:03) there was no one who looked like them in the broader org or our management team. (10:07) It was a wake up call for me.

(10:09) First, I shouldn’t have had to wait to be told what was missing. (10:12) It was on me to ensure I was building an environment that made people feel they belong. (10:17) It’s a myth that you’re not unfair if you treat everyone the same.

(10:21) There are groups that have been marginalized and excluded because of historic systems and (10:25) structures that were intentionally designed to favor one group over another. (10:29) So you need to account for that and mitigate against it. (10:32) Second, it challenged me to identify mentoring and sponsorship opportunities for my team (10:36) with people who looked more like them and were in senior positions across the company.

(10:42) Yeah, of course, the irony here is that this woman, Jen, sounds like she’s Scottish or (10:46) Irish or whatever. (10:48) Irish, I’m going to assume. (10:49) But the funny thing is that if you were to ask Google’s AI for an image of an Irish person, (10:54) it would not produce any image that looks anything like her.

(10:57) It would give you a bunch of images of Cardi B and Sexy Red or something. (11:02) Sexy Red does have red hair, so maybe she is Irish. (11:04) This is the head of ethics of Google AI, a senior manager, saying that it’s a bad idea (11:09) to treat everyone the same, regardless of the color of their skin.

(11:11) She is explicitly rejecting this basic principle of morality. (11:15) And instead, she says that she learned that she has to treat certain groups differently (11:18) because of historic systems and structures. (11:20) And therefore, she says those demographic groups are entitled to unique treatment and (11:24) mentorship opportunities.

(11:26) Now, later in this address, she goes on to explain what equity means in her view. (11:30) This is where the things really get hilarious to the extent that you can laugh at someone (11:35) this low IQ and also, frankly, evil. (11:38) Watch.

(11:40) Allyship involves the active steps to support and amplify the voice of members of marginalized (11:45) groups in ways that they cannot do alone. (11:48) In the workplace, this can involve many things from being an active mentor or sponsor to those (11:53) from historically marginalized communities to managers of managers setting specific goals (11:58) and hiring and growth for their teams to ensure fairness and equity of opportunity and outcomes (12:03) for underrepresented populations. (12:06) However, back to the point about language being very important, using the title of ally (12:12) can also come across as othering.

(12:14) So I always state both the groups I’m a member of and support, as well as those that I’m(12:19) a member of, more of a mentor and a sponsor of, to ensure that it doesn’t look like that(12:25) I’m othering others. (12:26) So, for example, I would say I’m an ally of women, black people, LGBTQ. (12:32) I want to say I’m a champion advocate of all of these groups, not that I’m outside or exclusionary (12:37) of them.

(12:39) Again, it’s worth emphasizing, these are the people that are behind the AI systems that(12:44) are going to be and really already are ruling the world. (12:48) But I want to repeat what she said, because it’s hard to believe when this is said out (12:51) loud. (12:52) So just to repeat, she says, using the title of ally can come across as othering.

(12:56) So I always state both the groups I’m a member of and support, as well as the ones I’m more (13:00) of a mentor and sponsor of, to ensure that it doesn’t look like I’m othering others.(13:05) Yeah, you don’t want to other the others. (13:08) This is the brain trust at Google behind an AI that has access to all of our data.

(13:12) She’s incapable of speaking without using an endless stream of vapid DEI cliches that(13:16) you’ve heard a million times. (13:17) This supposedly is an original enterprise, artificial intelligence, and it’s being overseen (13:21) by maybe the least original, least intelligent woman that Google possibly could have found. (13:27) On top of everything else, the wacky left-wing stuff, you’re dealing with the most unimpressive (13:32) people that you could imagine that are in charge of this just technology that is incomprehensible.

(13:41) And this is the kind of person who doesn’t want to other others, which seems a bit contradictory. (13:46) If someone is an other, then how do you not other them, given that they are an other? (13:53) And by the way, just so you know, the word other, if you check the dictionary,(13:55) just means a person or thing that is distinct from another person or thing. (14:01) So if somebody is an other, it just means that they’re not you is all.

(14:05) So if you’re recognizing that they’re another, if you’re making them an other, (14:08) you’re just recognizing them as a distinct entity from yourself. (14:12) So not othering them means that you are not recognizing them as a distinct human entity. (14:18) It means that, I suppose, we have to pretend that all people are indistinct blobs, (14:23) all lumped together into this great ambiguous blob that we call humanity.

(14:29) I know this makes any sense, but she has made it very clear that this DEI word salad is the(14:34) guiding philosophy behind Google’s new AI. There’s no firewall between her and the product. (14:40) Watch.

(14:41) What does responsible and representative AI mean? (14:44) I’ve talked about my team, but that’s only one definition. (14:47) So for us, it means taking deliberate steps to ensure that the advanced technologies that (14:52) we develop and deploy lead to a positive impact on individuals and society more broadly. (14:57) It means that our AI is built with and for everyone.

(15:02) We can’t just assume noble goals and good intent to prevent or solve ethical issues. (15:07) Instead, we need to deliberately build teams and build structures that hold us (15:12) accountable to more ethical outcomes, which for us, the ethical outcomes in Google will (15:17) be defined as our AI principles, which I discussed earlier. (15:20) It’s easy to point and laugh at imbeciles like this and the products that Google has created.

(15:25) On some level, it’s genuinely hilarious that an AI product can be so useless that it can’t(15:30) generate images of white people, even white historical figures. (15:33) It’s also amusing in a way that Gemini is so unsubtle and ham-fisted that it (15:38) straight up refuses to answer questions about, for example, (15:41) atrocities committed by communist governments. (15:43) Or someone else asked about the Zoom exploits of CNN commentator Jeffrey Toobin (15:48) wouldn’t want to answer that question.

(15:50) But the truth remains that the people behind Gemini have extraordinary power. (15:53) I mean, this debacle makes it very clear that the AI algorithms underlying products that (15:59) millions of people actually use like Google are completely unreliable and worse. (16:04) In fact, they’re deliberately lying to us.

(16:06) They’re downranking unapproved viewpoints and disfavored racial groups. (16:10) And they’re promoting the laziest possible brand of neo-Marxist ideology at every opportunity. (16:16) And they’re doing it also to influence the next presidential election, by the way.

(16:20) You might remember that after Donald Trump won in 2016, Breitbart posted leaked footage(16:24) of Google executives grieving during an all hands meeting. (16:29) Let’s watch that again.(16:30) I certainly find this election deeply offensive and I know many of you do too.

(16:37) It did feel like a ton of bricks dropped on my chest. (16:40) What we all need right now is a hug. (16:41) Can I move to Canada? (16:45) Is there anything positive you see from this election result? (16:51) Oh, boy, that’s that’s a really tough one right now.

(16:55) Now, in other parts of the video, they go on to say that (16:58) the election is the result of the people and voting and that they accept the results. (17:03) But Google issued a statement saying the video saying nothing was said at that meeting or any (17:09) other meeting to suggest that any political bias ever influences the way we build or (17:13) operate our products. To the contrary, our products are built for everyone.

(17:18) Sure it is. (17:20) I find this election deeply offensive. (17:22) We all need a hug.

(17:23) We’re told it was at this moment that Google decided that downranking (17:27) conservative websites wasn’t enough in order to really influence elections. (17:30) They decided that they needed to develop an AI that will force feed (17:34) DEI and anti white racism on everyone at every opportunity. (17:38) Their only mistake, which is the same mistake they made in that video back in 2016, (17:41) is that they were too obvious about their intentions.

(17:44) And now everybody knows exactly where Google stands. (17:47) We have a pretty good idea what our future AI driven dystopia (17:51) will look like or already does look like.

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Polkadot: A Web3 Innovation for Interoperable Blockchains

Polkadot is a next-generation blockchain platform that aims to address the limitations of existing blockchains, particularly in terms of scalability and interoperability. It envisions a decentralized network of blockchains that can seamlessly communicate and exchange data, enabling a more interconnected and unified Web3 ecosystem.

Core Principles and Architecture

The Polkadot architecture consists of three primary layers:

  1. Relay Chain: The heart of the Polkadot network, the relay chain is responsible for relaying transactions, ensuring network security, and maintaining consensus among the parallel blockchains.

  2. Parachains: Individual blockchains that connect to the relay chain and benefit from its security and shared infrastructure. Parachains can be specialized for various purposes, such as DeFi applications, IoT networks, or supply chain management.

  3. Bridges: Mechanisms that connect Polkadot to external blockchains, allowing seamless transfer of data and assets between different blockchain ecosystems.

Unique Features and Benefits

Polkadot stands out for its unique features and benefits:

  1. Interoperability: Polkadot’s cross-chain communication protocol, known as XCM, enables seamless data and asset transfers between parachains and external blockchains. This interoperability fosters innovation and collaboration across different blockchain projects.

  2. Scalability: Polkadot’s unique architecture allows for parallel processing of transactions, enabling the network to handle significantly higher throughput than traditional blockchains. This scalability makes it a suitable platform for large-scale applications.

  3. Security: The relay chain employs a robust consensus mechanism, GRANDPA, which ensures that all parachains are synchronized and follow the same state. This robust security model protects the network from malicious attacks.

  4. Customizable Parachains: Developers can build customized parachains tailored to specific needs, fostering innovation and flexibility within the Polkadot ecosystem.

Applications and Impact

Polkadot’s potential applications extend across various domains:

  1. Decentralized Finance (DeFi): Polkadot’s interoperable and scalable infrastructure can support the development of advanced DeFi applications, such as cross-chain lending protocols and decentralized exchanges.

  2. Internet of Things (IoT): Polkadot’s ability to handle data securely and efficiently makes it well-suited for IoT applications, enabling secure and transparent data exchange between connected devices.

  3. Supply Chain Management: Polkadot’s immutable and verifiable nature can enhance supply chain management by providing a secure and transparent record of transactions and assets.

  4. Identity and Access Management: Polkadot can support decentralized identity and access management solutions, enabling users to control and manage their personal data securely.

Conclusion

Polkadot represents a significant advancement in blockchain technology, addressing the limitations of existing blockchains and paving the way for a more interconnected and unified Web3 ecosystem. Its unique features, including interoperability, scalability, security, and customizability, make it a powerful platform for innovation and the development of decentralized applications. As Polkadot continues to evolve and attract developers and projects, its impact on the Web3 landscape is expected to grow significantly.

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10 countries have embraced cryptocurrencies and are fostering a thriving ecosystem for digital assets

 

  1. Switzerland: Known for its favorable regulatory environment, Switzerland has become a leader in the cryptocurrency space. The Swiss city of Zug, in particular, has earned the nickname “Crypto Valley” due to the high concentration of blockchain and crypto companies headquartered there.
  2. Estonia: This small Northern European country has embraced technology and innovation. Estonia’s progressive crypto regulations make it a hotspot for blockchain start-ups.
  3. Malta: Known as the “Blockchain Island,” Malta has attracted some of the industry’s biggest names, like Binance and OKEx, due to its friendly regulatory environment.
  4. Japan: Japan is among the most crypto-friendly nations in the world, with several businesses in cities like Tokyo accepting bitcoin for payments. It was the first country to regulate cryptocurrency trading.
  5. United States of America: The USA is among countries with the highest number of cryptocurrency adopters globally.
  6. Vietnam: Vietnam tops the list of countries that have adopted cryptocurrencies.
  7. Philippines: The Philippines has a high number of Bitcoin ATMs, Bitcoin wallets, and exchanges.
  8. Ukraine: Ukraine has a very high number of cryptocurrency users and businesses.
  9. India: India has a very high number of cryptocurrency users and businesses.
  10. Pakistan: Pakistan has a very high number of cryptocurrency users and businesses.

These countries typically have clear and supportive crypto regulations, low or non-existent capital gains tax and income tax on crypto transactions, a growing number of crypto companies and start-ups, access to Bitcoin-friendly banks and financial services, and accept Bitcoin (or any other cryptocurrency) as legal tender.

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Risks and threats of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDSs)

CBDCs, or central bank digital currencies, are a new form of money that some countries are considering to adopt. CBDCs are digital tokens that represent the national currency and are issued and controlled by the central bank. CBDCs are different from cryptocurrencies, which are decentralized and operate on a peer-to-peer network. CBDCs are also different from the existing digital money, such as bank deposits and electronic payments, which are intermediated by commercial banks and other financial institutions.

Bad actors could derail the use of CBDCs and affect the userbase in various ways, depending on their motives and capabilities. Here are some possible scenarios:

  • A hacker could exploit a vulnerability in the CBDC system or the digital wallets and steal, alter, or destroy the CBDCs of the users, causing financial losses, fraud, or identity theft.
  • A criminal could use CBDCs for illicit activities, such as money laundering, terrorism financing, or tax evasion, by using anonymous or pseudonymous accounts, mixing services, or cross-border transfers.
  • A terrorist could launch a cyberattack on the CBDC system or the critical infrastructure, such as the power grid, the internet, or the communication networks, and disrupt the CBDC service, causing panic, chaos, or social unrest.
  • A state actor could use CBDCs for geopolitical purposes, such as undermining the dominance of the US dollar, influencing the foreign exchange rates, or imposing sanctions or embargoes on other countries .
  • A rogue employee or a whistleblower could leak or expose the CBDC data or the CBDC system, revealing the personal and financial information of the users, the technical and operational details of the system, or the policy and regulatory decisions of the central bank.

Privacy

One of the main concerns about CBDCs is the impact on the privacy of the users. Unlike cash, which is anonymous and untraceable, CBDCs would enable the central bank and the government to monitor and record every transaction that the users make. This could create a digital trail of the users’ financial activities, preferences, and behaviors, which could be used for various purposes, such as taxation, law enforcement, surveillance, and social control. For example, the central bank could impose negative interest rates on CBDCs to encourage spending, or the government could restrict or freeze CBDCs for certain individuals or groups based on their political views or affiliations.

Moreover, CBDCs could also expose the users’ personal and financial data to third parties, such as private companies, hackers, or foreign adversaries. CBDCs would require the users to have a digital identity and a digital wallet, which could be vulnerable to data breaches, identity theft, fraud, and cyberattacks. For instance, a hacker could steal the users’ credentials and access their CBDCs, or a foreign adversary could launch a cyberattack on the CBDC system and disrupt the payments or manipulate the data.

Security

Another major challenge for CBDCs is the security of the system and the infrastructure. CBDCs would require a complex and sophisticated technology to operate, which could pose technical and operational risks. For example, the CBDC system could face malfunctions, errors, glitches, or downtime, which could affect the availability and reliability of the service. The CBDC system could also face scalability issues, such as congestion, latency, or capacity limits, which could affect the speed and efficiency of the transactions. The CBDC system could also face compatibility issues, such as interoperability, standardization, or integration, which could affect the usability and accessibility of the service.

Furthermore, CBDCs would require a robust and resilient defense against cyber threats, which could be constantly evolving and adapting. For example, the CBDC system could face attacks from hackers, criminals, terrorists, or state actors, who could try to compromise, sabotage, or destroy the system. The CBDC system could also face threats from quantum computing, which could potentially break the encryption and security protocols of the system. The CBDC system could also face threats from double-spending, which is the risk of spending the same CBDC twice, which could undermine the integrity and trustworthiness of the system.

Stability

A third category of risks and threats for CBDCs is the impact on the stability of the financial system and the economy. CBDCs could have significant implications for the monetary policy, the banking system, and the financial markets. For example, CBDCs could affect the transmission and effectiveness of the monetary policy, by changing the demand and supply of money, the interest rates, the inflation, and the exchange rates. CBDCs could also affect the profitability and viability of the banking system, by reducing the deposits and lending of the commercial banks, and increasing the competition and disintermediation of the financial intermediaries. CBDCs could also affect the liquidity and volatility of the financial markets, by creating new channels and instruments for the flows and shocks of the capital, and increasing the contagion and spillover effects of the crises.

Moreover, CBDCs could also pose social and political risks, by creating new inequalities and conflicts among the users and the stakeholders. For example, CBDCs could create a digital divide between the users who have access and skills to use CBDCs, and those who do not. CBDCs could also create a power imbalance between the central bank and the government, the central bank and the commercial banks, and the central bank and the foreign central banks, which could affect the independence and accountability of the central bank, and the sovereignty and cooperation of the countries.

Innovation

A fourth category of risks and threats for CBDCs is the impact on the innovation and development of the digital currency and the payment industry. CBDCs could have positive or negative effects on the innovation and competition of the existing and emerging players and technologies. For example, CBDCs could foster innovation and competition, by creating new opportunities and incentives for the improvement and diversification of the products and services, and by enhancing the interoperability and collaboration of the platforms and networks. CBDCs could also hinder innovation and competition, by creating barriers and disincentives for the entry and growth of the new entrants and challengers, and by crowding out or displacing the existing and alternative solutions .

Furthermore, CBDCs could also face legal and regulatory risks, by creating new challenges and uncertainties for the governance and oversight of the digital currency and the payment industry. For example, CBDCs could raise legal and regulatory issues, such as the definition and classification of CBDCs, the rights and obligations of the users and the providers, the jurisdiction and enforcement of the laws and rules, and the coordination and harmonization of the standards and frameworks. CBDCs could also face ethical and social issues, such as the fairness and transparency of the CBDC system, the consent and participation of the users and the stakeholders, the accountability and responsibility of the CBDC providers, and the trust and confidence of the public .

Conclusion

In conclusion, CBDCs are a novel and ambitious idea that could bring some benefits, but also some risks and threats, to the users and to the society. CBDCs could affect the privacy, security, stability, and innovation of the digital currency and the payment industry, in ways that are not fully understood or anticipated. Therefore, CBDCs require careful and comprehensive analysis and assessment, as well as prudent and cautious design and implementation, to ensure that they are safe, sound, and beneficial for all.

 

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13 comparații ale strategiilor de marketing online și offline, avantaje și dezavantaje, beneficii pentru afaceri

Strategiile de marketing online și offline au avantajele și dezavantajele lor, iar alegerea între ele depinde în mare măsură de obiectivele și publicul țintă al afacerii dvs.

Marketingul online este procesul de vânzare a produselor sau bunurilor prin canale online precum social media, reclame și e-mail. Avantajele includ costuri reduse, accesibilitate globală, și posibilitatea de a ajunge direct la profesioniștii din industrie și piață. Cu toate acestea, există riscul fraudei cu clicuri și dificultatea de a crea reclame eficiente.

Pe de altă parte, marketingul offline implică vânzarea de produse sau bunuri prin canale offline, cum ar fi reclame tipărite și telemarketing. Avantajele includ posibilitatea de a comanda exact ceea ce aveți nevoie și valoroase pentru promovarea unui program de loialitate. Dezavantajele includ consumul de timp și limitarea în audiența atinsă și accesibilitatea limitată.

Iată o comparație mai detaliată între cele două:

  1. Marketingul online se concentrează în general pe conținut, în timp ce marketingul offline se concentrează în general pe produs.
  2. Marketingul online include părți terțe precum media, conținutul web, căutarea e-mailului, social media. Marketingul offline include mass-media, centrul telefonic, telefonul.
  3. Marketingul online comunică clienților cu e-mailuri, chat, social media. Marketingul offline comunică cu clientul cu numărul lor de mobil și personal.
  4. Publicul țintă este întâlnit într-un singur loc în marketingul online, în timp ce în marketingul offline, publicul țintă este dispersat.
  5. Marketingul online este rentabil, în timp ce marketingul offline are costuri de marketing ridicate.
  6. Marketingul online ajută la atingerea directă a profesioniștilor din industrie și piață. Marketingul offline nu ajunge direct la profesioniștii din cauza unor bariere.
  7. Cumpărătorul potențial nu este vizibil în marketingul online. Este direct vizibil pentru cumpărătorul lor potențial în marketingul offline.
  8. Mai puține persoane de gestionat în marketingul online. Multe persoane de gestionat în marketingul offline.
  9. În marketingul online, puteți utiliza instrumente precum Google webmaster tools, AdWords information center și alte instrumente, pentru a verifica rata de vizualizare, rata de conversie și succesul general al publicității pe internet. În marketingul offline, este o sarcină provocatoare de a măsura succesul publicității tipărite, radio și televiziune, deoarece este incert dacă o audiență va face o achiziție sau nu.
  10. Utilizând tactici de marketing de conținut, conținutul dvs. poate ajunge la o audiență la nivel mondial. Acest lucru s-ar putea să nu fie posibil cu marketingul offline.
  11. În marketingul online, puteți vinde un produs în întreaga lume fără a deschide chiar magazine locale. Nu este nevoie să păstrați stocuri mari. Asigură expunere globală. Promoțiile offline au propriile lor limitări. Nu asigură niciodată expunerea maximă.
  12. Marketingul pe internet nu are constrângeri de timp. Clienții pot vizita site-ul dvs. în orice moment și pot achiziționa produsele sau serviciile dvs. Aici, puteți aștepta vânzări sau clienți doar odată ce magazinul dvs. este deschis.
  13. Marketingul online vă ajută să vă dezvoltați afacerea țintind un grup specific de clienți cu o ofertă specifică. De asemenea, puteți ținti un anumit grup de oameni pentru promoții. Este destul de provocator să implementați aceste tipuri de strategii în scenarii offline.

 

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Best Medtech products and technologies to launch internationally as Startups

Determining the “best” medtech products to launch internationally can depend on various factors, including market demand, innovation, regulatory approval, and the specific needs of healthcare systems in different countries. However, here are some medtech products and technologies that have the potential to make a significant impact on the international healthcare market:

1. Telemedicine Platforms: Telemedicine and telehealth platforms have gained tremendous importance, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. These platforms enable remote healthcare consultations, monitoring, and diagnostics, making healthcare services more accessible to people worldwide.

2. Wearable Health Technology: Wearable devices like smartwatches and fitness trackers have evolved to include more sophisticated health monitoring features, such as ECG, blood pressure, and continuous glucose monitoring. These can assist individuals in monitoring their health and can also provide valuable data to healthcare professionals.

3. AI-Assisted Diagnostics: Artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to analyze medical images, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, to improve the speed and accuracy of diagnostics. AI can also help with predictive analytics and personalized treatment plans.

4. Remote Patient Monitoring: Remote monitoring devices and apps enable healthcare providers to track patients’ vital signs and health metrics outside of traditional clinical settings. This can be especially beneficial for patients with chronic conditions.

5. Robotic Surgery Systems: Surgical robots, like the da Vinci Surgical System, are becoming more widely adopted for minimally invasive surgeries. These systems offer greater precision and dexterity, potentially reducing recovery times.

6. 3D Printing for Medical Devices: 3D printing is revolutionizing the production of custom implants, prosthetics, and medical devices. This technology allows for highly personalized solutions for patients.

7. Point-of-Care Diagnostic Tools: Portable and easy-to-use diagnostic devices, including those for infectious diseases and chronic conditions, can improve healthcare delivery in underserved areas and remote locations.

8. Genome Sequencing and Personalized Medicine: Advances in genomics and personalized medicine are helping to tailor treatment plans to an individual’s genetic makeup, potentially improving treatment outcomes and reducing adverse effects.

9. Remote Surgical Training and Support: Remote surgical training and support platforms allow expert surgeons to guide and assist less experienced surgeons during complex procedures, increasing access to specialized care.

10. Advanced Implantable Devices: Innovations in implantable devices, such as bioelectronic implants for chronic conditions and neuromodulation devices, are improving the quality of life for patients.

11. Medication Adherence Technology: Digital solutions to improve patient medication adherence, such as smart pill dispensers and mobile apps, can help manage chronic conditions more effectively.

12. Healthcare Data Analytics: Big data and analytics are helping healthcare providers make data-driven decisions, improve patient outcomes, and manage resources more efficiently.

13. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) in Healthcare: VR and AR technologies are being used for medical training, patient education, and even in surgical planning and visualization.

14. Gene Editing and CRISPR Technology: CRISPR-Cas9 and related gene-editing technologies have the potential to treat genetic disorders and certain diseases more effectively.

When launching medtech products internationally, it’s essential to consider regulatory requirements, cultural and demographic factors, healthcare infrastructure, and potential partnerships with local healthcare providers. Conducting thorough market research and addressing any unique challenges in each target market is crucial for success.

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10 moduri prin care poți ajuta startup-urile să se dezvolte

 

1. Investiții financiare: Dacă dispui de resurse financiare, poți să investești în startup-uri care te interesează. Poți investi direct sau prin intermediul unui fond de investiții. Prin finanțare, poți ajuta startup-urile să-și dezvolte produsele, să-și extindă echipele și să-și crească prezența pe piață.

2. Mentorat: Dacă ai experiență în domeniul afacerilor sau într-un domeniu relevant pentru startup-uri, poți să oferi mentorat. Ajuți antreprenorii să evite greșeli comune, să-și dezvolte strategiile și să-și extindă rețelele de contact. Mentoratul poate fi extrem de valoros pentru startup-uri în creștere.

3. Resurse și expertiză: Poți să pui la dispoziție resurse și expertiză pentru a ajuta startup-urile să-și dezvolte afacerile. Acest lucru poate include oferirea de servicii sau tehnologii, precum și consultanță în domenii cum ar fi marketingul, dezvoltarea produselor sau gestionarea resurselor umane.

4. Networking: Poți să conectezi startup-urile cu oameni cheie din industrie, potențiali clienți, investitori sau parteneri de afaceri. O rețea extinsă poate face o diferență semnificativă pentru succesul unei afaceri în creștere.

5. Feedback și teste: Oferă feedback sincer și constructive startup-urilor cu privire la produsele sau serviciile lor. Poți să fii un beta-tester sau să participi la evenimente de testare a produselor pentru a ajuta la îmbunătățirea acestora.

6. Promovare și susținere: Poți să promovezi startup-urile pe rețelele de socializare, să scrii despre ele sau să le oferi o platformă pentru a-și prezenta produsele sau serviciile. O susținere publică poate spori vizibilitatea și credibilitatea lor.

7. Implicare în comunitate: Participarea în comunitățile locale sau globale de startup-uri poate fi o modalitate excelentă de a cunoaște startup-urile și de a le oferi sprijin. Poți să participi la evenimente, conferințe și hackathoane sau să fii voluntar în organizații care susțin startup-urile.

8. Achiziționarea de produse sau servicii: Cumpărarea produselor sau serviciilor oferite de startup-uri poate ajuta la susținerea lor financiară. Dacă produsele sau serviciile lor sunt relevante pentru tine, consideră să le folosești în locul altor alternative mai mari.

9. Participarea ca investitor înger: Poți să investești ca investitor înger în startup-uri care te interesează. Investitorii îngeri sunt persoane fizice care investesc bani proprii în schimbul unei părți din acțiunile startup-ului.

10. Asociere în afaceri: Dacă ai o afacere sau competențe care se potrivesc cu un startup, poți să explorezi opțiuni de colaborare sau asociere în afaceri care să fie benefice pentru ambele părți.

Fiecare dintre aceste modalități poate contribui la sprijinirea startup-urilor și la contribuirea la creșterea lor. Alegerea depinde de resursele și experiența ta, precum și de interesele tale în domeniul antreprenoriatului.

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Business Pitch: Datacenter Solutions – Empowering the Digital World

 

**Executive Summary:**

At LEW.RO, we are at the forefront of the digital revolution, providing cutting-edge datacenter solutions that drive innovation and support the growth of businesses worldwide. We understand that data is the lifeblood of the modern economy, and our mission is to offer state-of-the-art datacenter services that ensure the security, reliability, and scalability of our clients’ critical data and applications.

**The Challenge:**

In today’s data-driven world, businesses face significant challenges related to data storage, management, and security. Rapidly evolving technology, increasing data volumes, and the growing threat landscape require businesses to have access to highly efficient and secure datacenter solutions.

**The Solution:**

LEW.RO offers a comprehensive suite of datacenter services that address these challenges head-on:

1. **Cutting-edge Infrastructure**: We provide a world-class datacenter infrastructure, featuring the latest in hardware and software technologies. Our datacenters are designed for optimal performance, scalability, and reliability.

2. **Robust Security**: Security is a top priority. We implement state-of-the-art security measures, including 24/7 monitoring, access control, encryption, and disaster recovery solutions to safeguard your data.

3. **Scalability**: Our solutions are flexible and scalable to meet your growing data needs. We work closely with you to customize services that align with your specific requirements.

4. **Redundancy**: We offer redundant systems and backup power supplies to ensure uninterrupted service, even in the face of unforeseen challenges.

5. **Green Datacenters**: [Your Company Name] is committed to sustainability. We operate green datacenters that use energy-efficient technologies, minimizing our environmental impact.

**Why LEW.RO?**

1. **Expertise**: Our team comprises industry experts with extensive experience in datacenter management, ensuring that your data is in capable hands.

2. **Reliability**: We pride ourselves on our outstanding track record of reliability and uptime, guaranteeing that your data is accessible when you need it.

3. **Custom Solutions**: We understand that each business is unique. We work closely with you to create customized datacenter solutions that align with your goals and budget.

4. **Competitive Pricing**: We offer cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality or security.

**Market Opportunity:**

The datacenter market is experiencing rapid growth, with businesses of all sizes requiring secure, reliable, and scalable data storage and management. Our services cater to a wide range of industries, including finance, healthcare, e-commerce, and technology.

**Financial Projections:**

LEW.RO anticipates strong growth and profitability over the next five years, driven by an expanding client base and a commitment to innovation.

**Conclusion:**

In a world where data is the most valuable asset, trust LEW.RO to safeguard and manage your critical information. Our datacenter solutions provide the foundation for your digital success, enabling you to focus on what you do best – growing your business.

Join us in this exciting journey to transform the digital landscape. Contact us today to discuss how [Your Company Name] can help you meet your datacenter needs and achieve your business goals. Together, we’ll build a future powered by data.

 

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GRANTURI PENTRU SPRIJINIREA ANTREPRENORILOR ÎN DEZVOLTAREA TEHNOLOGIILOR DIGITALE AVANSATE

PILONUL III. CREȘTERE INTELIGENTĂ, SUSTENABILĂ ȘI FAVORABILĂ INCLUZIUNII, INCLUSIV COEZIUNE ECONOMICĂ, LOCURI DE MUNCĂ, PRODUCTIVITATE, COMPETITIVITATE, CERCETARE, DEZVOLTARE ȘI INOVARE, PRECUM ȘI O PIAȚĂ INTERNĂ FUNCȚIONALĂ, CU ÎNTREPRINDERI MICI ȘI MIJLOCII (IMM-URI) PUTERNICE

COMPONENTA C9. SUPORT PENTRU SECTORUL PRIVAT, CERCETARE, DEZVOLTARE ȘI INOVARE

INVESTIȚIA I3. SCHEME DE AJUTOR PENTRU SECTORUL PRIVAT

MĂSURA 1. SCHEMĂ DE MINIMIS ȘI SCHEMĂ DE AJUTOR DE STAT ÎN CONTEXTUL DIGITALIZĂRII IMM-URILOR

  1. întreprindere mijlocie – întreprindere care are între 50 și 249 de salariați și realizează o cifră de afaceri anuală netă de până la 50 milioane euro, echivalent în lei, sau deține active totale care nu depășesc echivalentul în lei a 43 milioane euro;
  2. întreprindere mică – întreprindere care are între 10 și 49 de salariați și realizează o cifră de afaceri anuală netă sau deține active totale de până la 10 milioane euro, echivalent în lei;
  3. microîntreprindere – întreprindere care are până la 9 salariați și realizează o cifră de afaceri anuală netă sau deține active totale de până la 2 milioane euro, echivalent în lei;
  4. întreprindere mare – întreprindere care are cel puțin 250 de angajați și realizează o cifră de afaceri anuală netă care depășește 50 de milioane de euro sau active totale care depășesc 43 de milioane de euro, echivalent în lei;

Granturi pentru sprijinirea antreprenorilor în dezvoltarea tehnologiilor digitale avansate cum ar fi: inteligența artificială, datele și cloud computingul, tehnologia blockchain, calculul de înaltă performanță și cuantică, internetul obiectelor, securitatea cibernetică.

Regulamentul (UE) 2021/241 al Parlamentului European și al Consiliului din 12 februarie 2021 de instituire a Mecanismului de redresare și reziliență stabilește ca obiectiv obligatoriu ca cel puțin 20% din alocarea totală a planului să contribuie la tranziția digitală sau la provocările digitale. Strategia Națională privind Agenda Digitală pentru România (SNADNR) a contribuit la asigurarea coerenței și la consolidarea sinergiilor între acțiuni și investiții în diferite domenii ale economiei digitale. Cu toate acestea, efectele implementării SNADNR sunt minime.

Digitalizarea are un impact profund și generalizat asupra tuturor aspectelor societății și ale economiei: producția, distribuția, consumul, muncă și timpul liber. IMM-urile sunt supuse unei presiuni din ce în ce mai mari, în vederea adaptării în consecință a modelelor proprii de afaceri și a adoptării tehnologiilor digitale necesare, astfel încât clienții să le considere în continuare competitive și atractive. În acest context, Uniunea Europeană a Artizanatului și a Întreprinderilor Mici și Mijlocii (UEAPME) a definit digitalizarea drept cea mai mare provocare pentru majoritatea IMM-urilor europene

Digitalizarea are multiple beneficii. IMM-urile își pot crește competitivitatea prin raționalizarea și accelerarea proceselor din etapa de concepere până în etapa de livrare, pot să își extindă accesul pe piață și integrarea lanțului valoric prin intermediul platformelor digitale și pot să îmbunătățească relațiile cu clienții utilizând platformele de comunicare socială și serviciile digitale pentru clienți. În plus, digitalizarea poate permite IMM-urilor să inoveze, oferind noi produse sau servicii digitale sau lărgindu-și gama existentă de servicii cu servicii digitale suplimentare.

Digitalizarea duce la apariția unor noi modele de organizare a muncii în cadrul IMM-urilor. Adoptarea unor modalități de lucru inovatoare, care să implice într-o anumită măsură munca de la distanță și care să ofere o autonomie mai mare angajaților prin crearea unui echilibru mai bun între viața profesională și cea privată, poate răspunde nevoilor managerilor și angajaților, adesea obligați, în cazul întreprinderilor mai mici, să își asume numeroase roluri. Pe de altă parte, ea poate duce la noi forme de instabilitate și de alienare, care implică riscul subminării satisfacției angajaților și a mediilor de lucru din cadrul IMM-urilor.

De asemenea, există o serie de provocări asociate cu digitalizarea. Transformarea digitală a societății, intensificată de criza COVID-19, a extins peisajul amenințărilor și aduce noi provocări, care necesită răspunsuri adaptate și inovatoare. Numărul atacurilor cibernetice continuă să crească, atacurile din ce în ce mai sofisticate provenind dintr-o gamă largă de surse atât din interiorul, cât și din afara UE.

Prin urmare, întreprinderile ar trebui să conducă eforturile pentru o digitalizare sigură și vor împărtăși responsabilitatea în asigurarea unei transformări digitale securizate cibernetice.

O serie de sectoare critice precum transporturile, energia, sănătatea și finanțele au devenit tot mai dependente de tehnologiile digitale pentru a-și desfășura activitățile de bază. Digitalizarea oferă oportunități enorme și asigură soluții pentru multe dintre provocările cu care se confruntă Europa, nu în ultimul rând în timpul crizei provocate de pandemia de COVID-19, dar, în același timp, expune economia și societatea la amenințări cibernetice.

Atacurile cibernetice și criminalitatea informatică sunt tot mai numeroase și mai sofisticate în întreaga Europă. Se preconizează că această tendință va continua să crească în viitor, date fiind previziunile conform cărora 22,3 miliarde de dispozitive la nivel mondial vor fi conectate la internetul obiectelor până în 2024.

 

Domeniul de intervenție / tipul de intervenție Coeficientul pentru tranziția digitală Alocare financiară
Capacități de calcul de înaltă performanță și de informatică cuantică/capacități de comunicare cuantică (inclusiv criptare cuantică); 100% 130 mil. EUR
Proiectarea, producția și integrarea sistemelor în domeniul microelectronicii;
Următoarea generație de capacități de date, cloud și edge (infrastructuri, platforme și servicii);
Realitatea virtuală și augmentată
Tehnologia profundă și alte tehnologii avansate digitale
Investiții în securizarea lanțului digital de aprovizionare
Securitatea cibernetică: dezvoltarea și implementarea de tehnologii, măsuri și structuri de sprijin în materie de securitate cibernetică pentru utilizatorii din sectorul public și privat. 100% 20 mil. EUR

Activitățile sprijinite în cadrul investiției/operațiunii

Prin intermediul acestei operațiuni vor fi sprijinite:

 Investiții în active corporale și necorporale în cadrul unei investiții inițiale care să sprijine întreprinderile în dezvoltarea tehnologiilor digitale avansate cum ar fi inteligența artificială, datele și cloud computing-ul, tehnologia blockchain, calculul de înaltă performanță și cuantică, internetul obiectelor, securitatea cibernetică precum:

  • achiziții de active corporale și necorporale (hardware pentru calculul de înaltă performanță și cuantică, echipamente pentru automatizări și robotică destinate fluxurilor tehnologice integrate cu soluții digitale, dezvoltarea și/sau adaptarea aplicațiilor software, inclusiv soluțiile de automatizare software de tip RPA, respectiv Robotic Process Automation);
  • achiziții de tehnologii blockchain (ce favorizează în principal industria de producție și lanțul de aprovizionare prin automatizare, planificarea resurselor întreprinderii, schimb eficient de date, IoT (internetul obiectelor), IIoT (internetul industrial al obiectelor), Big Data, Cloud computing și inteligență artificială);
  • achiziții de active corporale și necorporale pentru securitatea cibernetică;
  • achiziții de sisteme de inteligență artificială, machine learning, augmented reality, virtual reality;
  • achiziția de date și cloud computing (cu condiția ca aceste achiziții să poate fi încadrate la imobilizări necorporale);

Investiții în cercetare industrială și dezvoltare experimentală privind dezvoltarea tehnologiilor digitale avansate.

Finanțarea acordată în cadrul prezentului apel de proiecte

(1) Valoarea totală alocată care va fi acordat în cadrul prezentului apel este de 150 milioane euro din cadrul PNRR, împărțită pe următoarele domenii de activitate considerate prioritare la nivel național:

  1. industrie alimentară, industrie prelucrătoare, construcții: 75 milioane euro.
  2. industrie auto, transport și distribuție, servicii adresate populației, turism și alte activități/domenii eligibile: 75 milioane euro.

(2) Valoarea finanțării în euro se calculează în lei la cursul de schimb InforEuro valabil la data semnării contractului de finanțare.

 

Cursul valutar utilizat este cursul Inforeuro aferent lunii aprilie 2023: 1 euro = 4.9483 lei.

Valoare Asistenței Financiare Nerambursabilă pentru întreg proiectul de dezvoltare tehnologii digitale avansate acordată (nu mai mult de 5 ori Cifra de Afaceri pe anul 2022 a liderului de proiect).

Plafonul maxim al finanțării nerambursabile se va determina în funcție de categoria în care se încadrează liderul de proiect, astfel:

  • Microîntreprinderi – maxim 500’000 euro;
  • Întreprinderi mici – maxim 1.500.000 euro;
  • Întreprinderi mijlocii –maxim 3.000.000 euro.
AJUTOR  REGIONAL
Denumirea regiunii NUTS ÎNTREPRINDERI MIJLOCII MICRO/ ÎNTREPRINDERI MICI  
 
Nord-Vest  
Bihor 50% 60%  
Bistrița-Năsăud 60% 70%  
Cluj 50% 60%  
Maramureș 60% 70%  
Satu Mare 60% 70%  
Sălaj 60% 70%  
Centru  
Alba 60% 70%  
Brașov 50% 60%  
Covasna 50% 60%  
Harghita 50% 60%  
Mureș 60% 70%  
Sibiu 50% 60%  
Nord-Est  
Bacău 70% 75%  
Botoșani 70% 75%  
Iași 60% 70%  
Neamț 70% 75%  
Suceava 70% 75%  
Vaslui 70% 75%  
Sud-Est  
Brăila 70% 75%  
Buzău 70% 75%  
Constanța 60% 70%  
Galați 70% 75%  
Vrancea 70% 75%  
Tulcea 70% 75%  
Sud-Muntenia  
Argeș 60% 70%  
Călărași 70% 75%  
Dâmbovița 60% 70%  
Giurgiu 60% 70%  
Ialomița 70% 75%  
Prahova 70% 75%  
Teleorman 70% 75%  
Sud-Vest Oltenia  
Dolj 70% 75%  
Gorj 70% 75%  
Mehedinți 70% 75%  
Olt 70% 75%  
Vâlcea 70% 75%  
Vest  
Arad 40% 50%  
Caraș-Severin 50% 60%  
Hunedoara 50% 60%  
Timiș 40% 50%  

Solicitanți eligibili:

Formele asociative (parteneriatele*) formate din:

1) Lider (IMM cu activitate non-IT):

Întreprinderi înființate în baza Legii nr. 31/1990 republicată privind societățile, Legii nr. 1/2005 republicată privind organizarea și funcționarea cooperației, respectiv OUG nr. 6/2011 actualizată pentru stimularea înființării și dezvoltării microîntreprinderilor de către întreprinzătorii debutanți în afaceri, aprobată cu modificări prin Legea nr. 301/2011, cu modificările și completările ulterioare și au sediul social în România.

2) Partener (IMM cu activitate IT):

IMM care îndeplinește cumulativ următoarele condiții:

      1. înființat în baza Legii nr. 31/1990 republicată privind societățile, Legii nr. 1/2005 republicată privind organizarea și funcționarea cooperației, respectiv OUG nr. 6/2011 actualizată pentru stimularea înființării și dezvoltării microîntreprinderilor de către întreprinzătorii debutanți în afaceri, aprobată cu modificări prin Legea nr. 301/2011, cu modificările și completările ulterioare și au sediul social în România.
      2. activează în cel puțin unul dintre următoarele sectoare (coduri CAEN):
        1. 5829 – Activități de editare a altor produse software;
        2. 6201 – Activități de realizare a software-ului la comandă (software orientat client);
      • 6202 – Activități de consultanță în tehnologia informației;
      1. 6203 – Activități de management (gestiune și exploatare) a mijloacelor de calcul;
      2. 6209 – Alte activități de servicii privind tehnologia informației;
      3. 6311 – Prelucrarea datelor, administrarea paginilor web și activități conexe
      • 6312 – Activități ale portalurilor web;
      • 6399 – Alte activități de servicii informaționale n.c.a.;
      1. 7211 – Cercetare-dezvoltare în biotehnologie;
      2. 7219 – Cercetare-dezvoltare în alte științe naturale și inginerie.

Notă: Selecția partenerului IMM cu activitate în domeniul IT se va realiza cu respectarea regimului incompatibilităților, al conflictului de interese și al următoarelor principii: transparență, nediscriminare, tratament egal, eficiența utilizării fondurilor.