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Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming one of the most powerful driving forces of digital transformation in Europe. To strengthen the continent’s position as a global leader in smart technologies, the European Union officially launched the EuroHPC – AI Factories initiative in July 2024.

Its goal is to develop a European high-performance AI ecosystem, based on interconnected supercomputing centers and digital infrastructures, accessible to researchers, startups, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

An AI Factory is a center of technological excellence designed to support the development, testing, and implementation of next-generation AI solutions. These centers offer a collaborative environment where companies, universities, and research institutes can access top-tier computing resources and advanced expertise.

The main facilities provided by the AI Factories include:

• High-performance supercomputers capable of training complex AI models;
• Access to secure and fast data infrastructures;
• Specialized technical assistance and consultancy for AI project implementation;
• Training and professional development programs in the field of artificial intelligence.

The primary objective of these centers is to foster the creation of a competitive and autonomous European ecosystem that accelerates innovation and digitalization across all sectors of society.

The EuroHPC – AI Factories network currently includes 19 AI factories in 16 EU Member States. New centers are being established in Romania, the Czech Republic, Spain, Poland, Lithuania, and the Netherlands.

The European Union and participating countries have committed over €2.6 billion to implement the AI Factories and AI Factory Antennas initiatives, confirming Europe’s ambition to become a world leader in artificial intelligence. Out of this amount, €1.5 billion is directly invested in developing supercomputing infrastructure, with half of the funding coming from the Digital Europe Programme and Horizon Europe.

By 2026, the computing capacity of the EuroHPC network is expected to double, enabling Europe to reach a new level in AI research and application.

Through the AI Factories, Europe is investing in the development of AI technologies applied in key economic and social sectors:

• Industry and automation – optimizing production chains and logistics through intelligent processes;
• Healthcare and life sciences – analyzing medical data for diagnosis and personalized treatments;
• Education and scientific research – accelerating discoveries through simulations and predictive models;
• Cybersecurity – protecting digital infrastructures with advanced AI solutions;
• Mobility and smart transport – developing autonomous systems and sustainable solutions for modern cities;
• Digital public administration – increasing transparency and efficiency in government services.

Through these applications, the AI Factories contribute to modernizing the European economy, creating digital jobs, and developing technological skills across all Member States.

Although the Republic of Moldova is not yet part of the EuroHPC network, joining a similar initiative would bring major benefits:

• Accelerating digitalization in both public and private sectors;
• Creating a national framework for AI research and innovation;
• Cross-border collaboration with European centers of excellence;
• Access to supercomputing resources and professional training programs;
• Development of a competitive local digital ecosystem.

Integration into such a project would transform Moldova into an emerging hub of digital innovation in Eastern Europe, opening new opportunities for research, education, and sustainable economic development.

The EuroHPC – AI Factories initiative is not only a technological investment but a strategic vision for Europe’s future. By uniting Member States and promoting a shared digital infrastructure, Europe strengthens its technological independence and establishes itself as a global hub of AI innovation.

For the Republic of Moldova, connecting to this ecosystem would be a decisive step toward digital transformation and integration into a European space founded on innovation, technology, and sustainable progress.