I recently ran into some interesting facts about how the software development industry is changing in the Romanian landscape.
I was mainly interested in finding out which collaboration models could be optimal for the times we live in (post-pandemic, tech-driven, globalized, uncertain).
Following this journey, I distilled a list of seven collaboration models that seem to be driving more trust. Next to each of these models, an attempt to offer a perspective from a RomSoft point of view (where applicable):
1. Strategic Partnerships: Flexibility and low risk
A strategic partnership means that two or more companies work together toward shared goals while remaining independent.
In RomSoft, we think strategic partnerships are the optimal collaboration model for our clients and for our company, because based on long term partnerships we can create dedicated work groups and processes providing customized, complex software projects across various business functions. Also, this model allows us to approach projects based on strategic initiatives.
But what brings them in the spotlight now? Companies want to grow without overcommitting in an increased risk environment. Strategic partnerships can offer speed and adaptability without the legal complexity of mergers and acquisitions.
Example: RomSoft, software development company & Sysmex Europe, global leader in haematology diagnostics equipment, have a strategic partnership of over 20 years to develop lab automation software.
The long-term strategic collaboration allowed for an organic, trust-based evolution of the business relationship. When tweaks and changes were necessary along the way, the partnership offered the possibility of implementing them with minimal cost and impact.
Resources:
Strategic Partnerships for Growth in the Digital Age
2. Remote/Virtual Collaborations: Teams become global
Hybrid and remote work are here to stay. Technology is ready, allowing teams and companies to collaborate across borders using tools like MS Teams, Slack, Zoom, Miro, or Notion.
Example: At RomSoft we work together with the US-based company Office Timeline to develop, market and sell their main products (Office Timeline Enterprise and Office Timeline Online) worldwide. This collaboration is also, de facto, a strategic partnership that extends the collaboration over the entire product cycle (development, marketing, sales, and support).
Being a digital born company, going from in-office work to fully remote and now hybrid is easier and more natural than for companies from other industries. But not free of challenges.
Resources:
Five Hybrid Work Trends to Watch in 2025
3. Open Innovation/Co-creation
In our days, innovation cycles are faster, and nobody has all the answers. Inviting customers, startups, or even competitors to collaborate can create real value.
Example: Corporates running hackathons or incubators to co-develop tech with startups. This model is being used successfully by organizations like ADR-Nord Est (through Rubik Hub) and cluster Imago-Mol.
National initiatives:
- HRIA
- EIT Community RIS Hub in Romania
- FreeYaMind Campus
- Tetra Pak Romania’s Customer Innovation Centre
- FABER Timisoara
In North-East Romania:
- Digital Innovation Zone (RomSoft is a member)
- Rubik Hub by ADR-Nord Est
- iMAGO-MOL (RomSoft is founding member)
4. Platform Ecosystems
In the latest years, companies increasingly build ecosystems (not just products). Think of Apple’s App Store, Shopify’s partner network, or Salesforce’s AppExchange.
Use case: SaaS companies integrating with others to offer “all-in-one” workflows.
Example: I don’t have a case that applies to RomSoft, but I can offer the example of a well-known Romanian company – EMAG. Originally emerged as an online retailer, it evolved into an ecosystem that includes the EMAG marketplace, the EasyBox national network of lockers and Fulfillment by EMAG – FBE (storage, packaging and shipping solutions).
5. Purpose Driven Alliances
In the context of a complicated and volatile landscape of international trade, purpose driven alliances play a crucial role in mitigating adverse effects on the technology sector. Businesses and countries partner on sustainability or social impact.
Example: RACC-IT Initiative (Romanian American Chamber of Commerce – IT Alliance) is an instrument that both the US and Romanian players could leverage to overcome international trade challenges.
4. Consortia
A consortium is a structure of multiple organizations that form a group to tackle shared issues. Some common goals could be technological advancement, standardization, economies of scale, or even lobbying power.
Consortia formed in the context of the European Union funding programs provide massive, coordinated financing for cutting-edge R&D, that is difficult to amass by individual players. These structures have the ability to de-risk innovation, especially for grand challenges of modern society (e.g. AI, climate change, energy efficiency) – as a push for EU’s tech sovereignty.
Use case: Create a unique platform to trace the authenticity of medicines through complex chains of production, distribution and control authorities.
Example: PharmaLedger Association, where RomSoft is a member and technical partner.
For RomSoft, participating in EU funded research consortia is also an opportunity to work with technologies that we may not have the possibility to work with in our commercial projects (blockchain, AI/ML, cutting edge medical technologies, new data privacy technologies).
Resources:
Horizon Europe – European Commission
Next Framework Programme (FP10) — ERA-LEARN
The Draghi report on EU competitiveness
7. Modular/Composable Outsourcing
Instead of outsourcing entire departments or large-scale functions, companies outsource specific modules, microservices, or components (like payments, chatbots, or data pipelines).
Modular Outsourcing is emerging as a more adaptive and flexible way to outsource IT services – and it’s especially well-suited to today’s Romanian market for a few key reasons:
- Strong niche talent pool – Romania has excellent developers in areas like AI, cybersecurity, blockchain, mobile apps, etc. Modular outsourcing allows foreign clients to tap into this talent for very specific needs without offshoring entire projects.
- Focus on deliverables, not headcount: Instead of “renting bodies” for time & materials contracts, modular outsourcing is about output and ownership of specific units. Romanian teams (especially startups) thrive under this model.
- Cross-border compatibility: Romanian IT service providers often speak fluent English, follow agile practices, and align well with EU and U.S. standards. This makes plug-and-play outsourcing easier compared to some traditional offshore models.
Examples: Using Stripe for payments, Twilio for messaging.
For sure, like any other type of collaboration, there are downsides to consider. Integration of specific modules can be more difficult. Accountability can become fragmented amongst multiple actors involved. But the success of the model will be ensured by weighting-in all the factors and using it when the benefits outsize the risks.
Resources:
IT Outsourcing Industry Trends Impacting 2025 and Beyond – Auxis
Digital Experience Composability: Agility in Uncertain Times
Bottom Line
Although they are currently experiencing some volatility, global markets are continuing to move toward greater integration. Romanian IT companies should look toward building flexible, cross-border, purpose-driven ecosystems that combine modular outsourcing, open innovation, and strategic partnerships. Here are some strategic steps you can take to align with the new trends:
- Invest in smart specialization capabilities: AI, health tech, cybersecurity, and creative industries.
- Integrate with modular value chains: Don’t just offer bodies or full-stack teams, offer solutions that plug into existing ecosystems (APIs, microservices, vertical SaaS).
- Cross-border consortia: Partner with EU-funded initiatives, startups, and research networks. Look for measurable impact over longer periods (10 – 15 years).
- Encourage technology transfer capabilities and cultivate skills that can bridge the gaps between tech, academia, and business.