Innovation and Digitalization “STELLAR” in Iași: What We Learned About Solving Business Challenges
On June 27th, at the Iași Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the “Innovation & Digitalization STELLAR” course took place. The session was designed for entrepreneurs, managers, and professionals looking to better understand how new technologies can help their business and how to take the next step toward digital transformation.
The course was led by Bogdan Ciubotaru, Managing Partner at Aliant Business Solutions, a specialist with vast experience in digitalization. The organizers—Digital Innovation Zone, Aliant, and CCI Iași—wanted to create a space where participants could work directly on their own business challenges, not just listen to theory.
Solving real problems using Design Thinking
The course was structured around the Design Thinking methodology, adapted to the local business context. We followed five simple steps: empathy, understanding, idea generation, rapid testing, and measurement. In essence, we moved from identifying a problem to generating concrete solutions.
The secret was in the hands-on approach. Everyone was encouraged to bring real challenges from their own business, and then we worked together to find practical solutions. It wasn’t about abstract theory—it was about applied innovation.
How the day unfolded
📌 Started with real problems: We discussed current business challenges, market shifts, customer expectations, and internal blockers.
📌 Focused on customers: We analyzed customer behavior, habits, and pain points—looking at business from the user’s perspective.
📌 Explored technology: We talked about AI, cloud, and automation technologies, and how they can be applied concretely in business.
📌 Dug deeper into the problem: We explored the root cause of business blockers—the ones that aren’t always visible at first glance.
📌 Generated ideas: Based on identified problems, we brainstormed new ideas, especially digital ones—focusing on actionable rather than just creative thinking.
📌 Tested quickly: We learned how to run quick tests (within 7 days) to validate ideas without wasting time or money—gathering real feedback before scaling.
📌 Presented and measured: Each team pitched their idea and defined how they would measure success. Emphasis was placed on clear success criteria from the start.
📌 Wrapped up with a plan: Every participant left with a personalized action plan and feedback to know their next concrete steps.
Technology is a tool, not a goal
A key takeaway: technology is just a tool to help solve problems. We shouldn't adopt tech for the sake of it—we need to understand what the business or customer needs first, and only then choose the right solution.
Through real discussions and examples, participants identified practical solutions adapted to local realities: limited budgets, small teams, and the need for fast implementation.
Small steps, consistent results
The “Innovation & Digitalization STELLAR” course showed that innovation doesn’t require massive change. It’s about small, fast-tested steps that lead to steady progress.
Participants left with:
🎯 A clear method for tackling business challenges.
🎯 Ideas ready to be implemented right away.
🎯 A tailored plan to test and measure solutions.
Digitalization may seem complex, but when applied smartly—step by step—it becomes a real driver of business growth.
Source : https://digital-innovation.zone/curs-stellar/
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