Ascendia at Romanian Digital Day 2026: redefining the role of teachers in an AI-driven world

The fourth edition of Romanian Digital Day, held at the European Parliament under the initiative of Vice-President Victor Negrescu, brought together participants from European institutions, academia, the technology industry, the private sector, and public administration to discuss Europe's digital future and Romania's role in shaping it.

Ascendia was represented by its CEO, Cosmin Mălureanu, who addressed one of the most relevant questions in education policy today: how artificial intelligence changes the role of teachers, and what education systems must do so that the transition strengthens human development rather than weakening it.

One barrier to adoption remains resistance to change, often driven by misconceptions. Ascendia used the Brussels forum to emphasise the importance of dispelling the myths that slow the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence in education and other strategic sectors.

In a future increasingly shaped by AI, humanoid robots, autonomous systems, immersive digital environments, and quantum technologies, the question is no longer whether change should be embraced, but how societies prepare for it. Educational systems must equip students, educators, and institutions with the skills needed to navigate that landscape.

Ascendia's position is that technology does not reduce the value of teachers. It changes where that value is concentrated. In a world where information is instantly accessible, the educator's role shifts from delivering knowledge to developing the uniquely human capabilities that technology cannot replace.

"The value of educators will not diminish, it will increase. Teachers will play an even greater role in fostering critical thinking, creativity, ethical judgment, collaboration, and the deeply human competencies that technology cannot replace," said Cosmin Mălureanu, CEO of Ascendia.

Technology becomes a practical ally when it takes over repetitive tasks and gives teachers more time for mentoring students, shaping character, guiding reflection, and nurturing higher-order thinking skills.

Participation in Romanian Digital Day also highlighted Romania's opportunity to combine technological innovation with human-centred values and a strong commitment to modernising education inside the European Union.

For Ascendia, presence in Brussels is a continuation of its European education work. As a member of the Digital Education Content expert group, the company has contributed to the European Commission frame for digital education content quality, reliability, inclusiveness, and policy alignment.

Romanian Digital Day provided a platform to connect this expertise with new opportunities for collaboration. Dialogue with policymakers and industry leaders helps translate the conclusions developed inside the DEC expert group into practical initiatives, procurement conversations, and future policy directions.

"Education and professional training in Romania should be viewed through the lens of interoperability and quality standards. Our efforts focus on developing digital tools that not only meet today's technological requirements but also provide pedagogical frameworks validated at the European level," said Gabriel Lazăr, Ascendia's Director of Research and Development.

Gabriel Lazăr added that Ascendia's involvement in expert groups such as DEC enables the company to bring European standards directly into products and educational communities, helping teachers and learners prepare for the future.

The central message delivered by Ascendia in Brussels combines optimism with responsibility. The future belongs to people who learn to work alongside artificial intelligence, transforming algorithms into trusted partners for innovation and progress.

By participating in Romanian Digital Day 2026, Ascendia reaffirmed its commitment to the digital transformation of education and to the principle that advanced technology creates its greatest value when it serves human development.