According to Eurostat statistics, in 2025, 60% of EU citizens aged 16 to 74 had at least basic digital skills – 4 countries have already exceeded the EU target of 80%: the Netherlands (84%), Ireland (83%), Denmark, and Finland (both 81%).
In 2025, the share of people with at least basic digital skills in the EU ranged from 82% for those with a high level of formal education to 38% for those with little or no formal education.
Robotics and educational activities
At Măgurele Science Park, we introduce school students to the jobs of the future through various activities and help them connect with STEM fields.
Whether we are talking about educational visits to classrooms, where we familiarize students with 3D modeling and printing, or partnerships with RoboHub, with whom we launched the Make your city smart robotics competition, or Bit&R, with whom we organized a series of presentations and workshops last year in computer labs dedicated to programming, all these initiatives contribute to developing students’ digital skills as well as increasing interest in technology and even cultivating personal passions.
What do official reports say?
According to the World Economic Forum, globally, AI and digital technologies are expected to create approximately 170 million new jobs by 2030, but 92 million jobs will also be lost, resulting in a net gain of around 78 million jobs worldwide. These figures reflect global trends and include Europe in their analysis.
According to the EU’s Digital Education Action Plan, less than 40% of teachers in the EU feel prepared to use digital technologies in teaching – which may affect how robotics and programming are integrated into schools.
This conclusion highlights that, although tools exist, the actual implementation of robotics and coding education varies greatly between countries and schools.
Why is robotics needed?
Robotics helps students think critically, logically, and ask questions they may not have considered before. It helps them understand cause-and-effect relationships and test and correct errors. It is a long-term process, where, if they invest energy, time, and ambition, students can achieve remarkable results.
Recently, Romanian students have demonstrated that they can compete at the highest international level in robotics – and achievements in international competitions show the importance and impact of STEM education. The Quantum Robotics team from ICHB won 2nd place at the FIRST Tech Challenge competition and serves as an inspiration for all robotics enthusiasts.
Robotics hubs and programs in Romania
In Romania, there are several places where robotics is promoted, and young people are encouraged to explore its inner workings. We mention a few such places below:
- Code Kids – in libraries and communities
This is a national project, supported by the Progress Foundation, which opens CODE Kids clubs in public libraries, schools, and community centers in rural and small urban areas, giving children the opportunity to learn programming and robotics for free. - CoderDojo Bucharest – free workshops
Programming and robotics workshops for children aged 8 to 17, organized online or in-person, supported by volunteers and mentors. They are free and offer periodic workshops (for example, on weekends). - NEXTLAB.TECH – free lessons and competitions
Through NEXTLAB.TECH, students can access free robotics and programming lessons and participate in national robotics competitions with kits provided free of charge to schools or participants, within an organized educational framework. - RoboHub – robotics courses open to everyone
RoboHub is a space dedicated to promoting programming and robotics, with free courses and resources, open to all ages, including children. The association offers free courses and supports participation for children from low-income families. RoboHub is also a long-term partner of Măgurele Science Park, with whom we launched this year the Make your city smart robotics competition!
Looking to the future with optimism
In the future, a smoother integration of robotics in education is needed. It may also be necessary to discuss transforming robotics from an extracurricular activity into a fully integrated school subject.
Until then, we have relaunched the Make your city smart robotics competition, 2026 edition, in which we invite all children aged 10 to 12 from the Bucharest–Ilfov region.
You can find the registration form here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1cqtp6EVrAHKLEzQVVjyDl2Ol5KFwffE4WmEVaHpl4co/preview
