Romania remains in last place in the European Union in terms of innovation

2026-07-10

A recent report published by the European Commission shows that Romania continues to occupy the last place in the European Union regarding innovation. The document, titled "European Innovation Scoreboard 2026," analyzes the performance of all member states in essential areas such as technology, research, and education.

According to this report, Romania's innovation level is only 41.8% of the European average. This figure places our country in the "emerging innovators" category, well below the performance of other states in the region. Although there is slight progress in certain sectors, the gap compared to the rest of Europe remains significant.

Among the weaknesses identified by experts are low investments in research and development, from both the state and private companies. Additionally, the small number of invention patents and limited collaboration between universities and the business environment contribute to this modest result. However, Romania has certain advantages, such as modern digital infrastructure in major cities.

This situation has a direct impact on the national economy in the long term. Without a clear innovation strategy, Romanian companies may face difficulties competing on the international market, where technology advances rapidly. Experts emphasize that a reform of the educational system is needed to prepare specialists in future-oriented fields.

In conclusion, the 2026 report represents a wake-up call for the authorities in Bucharest. To climb the European rankings, Romania must prioritize education and encourage investments in new technologies. The modernization of the economy depends on the country's ability to transform new ideas into successful products and services.