January 22, 2025 ⏱️ 8 min
By Andreea D.
As global demand for software development rises, outsourcing, near- or offshoring have become essential strategies for businesses seeking high-quality, cost-effective solutions.
This article explores how Romania’s cultural traits—such as professionalism and skill level, excellent communication, and a co-creative mindset—contribute to successful partnerships, ensuring high-quality results and lasting relationships.
Romania’s Global Outsourcing Role
In the last years, Romania has quickly become one of the most sought-after outsourcing destinations, particularly for European businesses, thanks to a unique combination of factors that set it apart in the global market.
Over the past decade, the country has emerged amongst the top destinations for IT services, software development, and business process outsourcing, attracting companies from various industries looking for reliable and cost-effective solutions. The country’s added value in delivering these services—skilled talent, cost-efficiency, and proximity to Western Europe—have contributed to a sustained growth in the demand for outsourcing services, particularly in the IT and software development sectors.
In 2022, the tech industry accounted for 2.83% of Romania’s GDP, reflecting the ongoing growth of outsourcing in the country. However, by 2025, this figure is expected to rise to 10%, according to Romanian Software and Services Industry Association (ANIS Romania). Currently, the IT sector in Romania contributes 8% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), making it one of the industries with the highest added value in the country.
According to the Future of IT 2023 Report published by Emerging Europe (a platform dedicated to promoting the business and technology landscapes of Central and Eastern Europe), Romania ranked 6th out of 23 countries in the IT Competitiveness Index. This index evaluates competitiveness based on factors such as talent, IT infrastructure, economic impact, and business environment. Additionally, Romania ranked 5th for talent, with strong scores in education, labor force, and talent competitiveness, and secured the top position (1st) for IT infrastructure, driven by factors like connectivity, digital transformation, and non-personnel resources.
In the same report, Romania also ranked 13th globally out of 40 analyzed countries and 4th in Europe as the best offshore destination for general IT outsourcing (ITO) services.
Romania’s outsourcing sector’s evolution exemplifies the country’s ability to navigate market shifts while preserving high standards of service delivery. As a result, Romania remains a top choice for international companies looking for reliable, high-quality outsourcing solutions in a cost-effective environment.
Cultural Traits Driving Success
Romania’s success as a global outsourcing hub is rooted in cultural traits passed down through generations, including technical expertise, work ethic, and adaptability, which contribute to the country’s ability to deliver high-quality results consistently.
Technical Expertise
Romania’s strong focus on technical expertise comes from a long tradition of valuing education, particularly in STEM fields. Over generations, Romanian universities have prioritized rigorous technical training, producing a highly skilled workforce. This emphasis on intellectual achievement and continuous learning ensures that Romanian professionals stay ahead of technological advancements, making them well-equipped to handle complex outsourcing needs.
Work Ethic
The work ethic in Romania is deeply ingrained through generations of cultural values centered around responsibility and reliability. Romanians are taught from a young age to prioritize hard work and discipline, which has been further shaped by historical periods of economic hardship. This cultural trait drives professionals to consistently meet deadlines, deliver high-quality work, and go above and beyond to exceed client expectations.
Adaptability
Romania’s adaptability is rooted in its history of overcoming political and economic challenges. Over generations, Romanians have developed a mindset of flexibility and resourcefulness, learning to embrace change and innovate. This adaptability is crucial in the fast-paced IT and software development sectors, allowing Romanian professionals to quickly adjust to new technologies and evolving project requirements.
Romania’s deeply ingrained cultural traits, such as a strong sense of responsibility, resilience, and a commitment to continuous learning, form the foundation of its success as an outsourcing destination. These cultural values drive the country’s ability to deliver consistent, high-quality results for global businesses.
Communication and Collaboration
The country’s culture of clarity and directness ensures that communication is efficient and decision-making is swift, which is critical in the fast-paced IT industry. Romanian professionals are known for their high English proficiency, making collaboration with international teams seamless and reducing language barriers that can slow down projects in other regions.
In addition to their technical skills, Romanian developers value transparency and regular updates, maintaining open communication throughout the project lifecycle. This collaborative approach, coupled with a blend of formal and informal communication depending on the project phase, ensures that teams remain aligned and adaptable. Romania’s focus on knowledge sharing fosters innovation and strengthens team cohesion, driving successful outcomes for IT projects.
Compared to regions with language barriers or less direct communication styles, Romania offers a more efficient, transparent, and productive outsourcing experience, making it a top choice for businesses seeking reliable IT solutions.
Professionalism and Client Focus
Romania’s strong professionalism and client focus complements the list of strengths that Romanian teams bring to the table. Their ability to adapt to diverse client needs, combined with their technical expertise and commitment to delivering high-quality results, positions Romania as a key player in global markets.
Romanian developers are committed to quality, consistently maintaining high standards in software development. This dedication ensures clients receive reliable, well-crafted solutions that meet their needs.
A key element of Romania’s client-centric approach is their proactive involvement in the problem-solving process. Developers engage deeply with clients to understand their goals and offer tailored solutions, going beyond just completing tasks to ensure the long-term success of the project. Romanian professionals are also not afraid to raise concerns when a proposed solution or request may not align with the agreed goals or could potentially lead to undesirable outcomes. This open and honest communication helps avoid costly mistakes and ensures projects stay on track.
Another distinguishing feature of Romania’s work culture is its focus on knowledge sharing and teamwork. Developers often work in collaborative groups, where ideas, solutions, and proposals are discussed and refined by multiple experts. This collective approach ensures that solutions are thoroughly vetted and well-rounded, leveraging the expertise of the entire team. By collaborating extensively, Romanian professionals are able to deliver more innovative and effective solutions, reinforcing the strength of the team’s work.
The work environment also prioritizes professional development, ensuring continuous growth and skill enhancement. Many developers continually pursue certifications and further education to stay current with the latest technological advancements. This commitment to learning keeps Romanian teams at the forefront of the IT industry, ensuring they can offer the most up-to-date and effective solutions to clients.
Compared to other regions, Romania’s emphasis on professional growth, client-focused problem-solving, knowledge sharing, and teamwork sets it apart. These combined cultural traits drive the success of outsourcing partnerships, delivering high-quality results, innovative solutions, and strong collaboration for global businesses.
Location and Cost Efficiency
With its strategic location and competitive pricing, Romania has become a prime outsourcing destination, particularly for businesses in Europe and Western countries.
The country’s time zone is a significant advantage, as Romania operates in the Central European time zone, aligning perfectly with many European clients and providing a few hours of overlap with Western markets. This makes it easier for teams to collaborate in real-time and maintain consistent communication throughout the workday.
In terms of cost efficiency, Romania offers a competitive edge. While the rates are still more affordable than in Western Europe, Romanian professionals maintain high standards of quality, offering businesses a balance of cost-effectiveness and exceptional service. Companies can tap into a highly skilled IT workforce without the high costs typically associated with Western outsourcing options.
When compared to other outsourcing destinations, Romania stands out for its value proposition. While some regions may offer lower costs, Romania’s mix of geographical proximity, time zone alignment, and a skilled workforce allows businesses to access high-quality IT solutions at a competitive price, making it a preferred choice for companies looking to optimize both cost and quality.
Why Romania Stands Out
Romania has established itself as a top outsourcing destination, driven by a highly skilled workforce, strong work ethic, and commitment to continuous improvement. With an increasing demand for IT outsourcing, Romania’s ability to deliver high-quality and innovative solutions positions it for continued growth.
As businesses increasingly prioritize efficiency and expertise, Romania’s culture of professionalism, adaptability, and collaboration will remain a key factor in its success.
Moving forward, Romania is expected to solidify its role as a trusted partner in the global IT landscape, with further advancements in technology and talent development making it an even more attractive option for companies worldwide.
Îndemnul nostru
Efortul pus în programele pentru studenți completează teoria din facultate cu practica care “ne omoară”. Profitați de ocazie, participând la cât mai multe evenimente!
În cei 3 ani am lucrat la proiecte diverse ce au contribuit decisiv la evoluția mea profesională. Am colaborat strâns cu echipe remarcabile, a căror dedicare și sprijin au fost fundamentale în buna dezvoltare a lucrurilor. Cu fiecare proiect, am învățat nu doar aspecte tehnice, ci și abilități esențiale de comunicare și colaborare, reflectate în experiența mea privind interacțiunile cu clienți și modul în care o echipă eficientă operează. Aceasta este cultura companiei, de la ritmul uneori alert al zilei de lucru și practicile Agile, până la momentele relaxante de socializare cu colegii în pauzele de cafea și activități recreative precum darts și ping pong.
Am făcut cunoștință cu echipa NetRom prin intermediul programelor Internship și NetRom Software Academy, in care am descoperit că noțiunile învățate acasă au totuși aplicabilitate, chiar în cadrul unor aplicații reale. Acele experentie m-au convins să aplic pentru un job.
Mentorii foarte deschiși și colegii cu experiență care mi-au răspuns prompt la toate neclaritățile au transformat provocările în task-uri rezolvate cu succes împreună. Făcând parte din #teamnetrom mi-am depășit frica de a greși și am evoluat într-un mod echilibrat pentru mine.
Am aflat de programele NetRom de la o prezentare organizată în facultate de companie. Am decis să mă înscriu la Summer Camp din dorința de a înțelege ce anume ar presupune o cariera în IT. În urma acestui stagiu de practică, am reușit să dezvolt propria aplicație cu ajutorul mentorilor care mi-au oferit informații teoretice, dar mai ales practice, pe care nu aș fi putut sa le găsesc într-un tutorial aleatoriu de pe internet. Modul meu de abordare a aplicaților s-a schimbat odată ce am înțeles în ce constă mai exact procesul, ce presupune un mediu real de lucru și importanța muncii în echipă.
NetRom Software Testing Academy a fost punctul de plecare pentru o carieră pentru mine. Pe parcursul sesiunilor am avut oportunitatea să cunosc bazele necesare pentru asigurarea calității unui produs, urmate de o zi în companie unde am văzut teoria pusă în practică.
Recomand tuturor celor care își doresc o carieră în QA să ia în considerare această academie, fiind destinată atât celor din domeniu, dar nu numai.
Am descoperit NetRom prin intermediul unui program de internship și am fost impresionată încă de la început de mediul de lucru plăcut, de susținerea și angajamentul colegilor. A fost o oportunitate deosebită de a lucra într-o echipă de proiect, cu roluri specifice, și de a înțelege mai bine cultura companiei. Întreaga perioadă s-a dovedit o experiență valoroasă, atât din punct de vedere al cunoștințelor acumulate, cât și prin prisma relațiilor dezvoltate. În momentul în care mi s-a propus să continui ca angajat permanent, a fost o decizie ușor de luat, bucuroasă fiind să pot aplica cele învățate, dar și să adaug cunoștințe noi în fiecare zi.
