Hungarian Investment Promotion Agency

HIPA’s experiences from recent years and feedback from major foreign investors show that moderate digital maturity often hinders Hungarian firms from integrating into global value chains.

Therefore, HIPA prioritizes enhancing competences related to industrial digitalization and automation. The Agency also created a video series with 4iG IT Zrt., showcasing various solutions, such as AI-based reject product reduction, automated warehousing, and ramp booking software for lorries.

Experts presenting their findings at the "Industrial Digitalization Level-Up Workshop" at HIPA’s Budapest headquarters on 28 January 2026 emphasized that investments in industrial digitalization competencies and solutions not only help to meet demands of international integrator companies, but also improve efficiency and resilience, and offer a return on the investment within a 2-3 year timeframe.

In his opening remarks, HIPA CEO Mr. István Joó highlighted that "digitalization does not necessarily mean immediate, large-scale investment. Even a few well-chosen, smaller steps can bring significant results."

Mr. István Joó stressed that HIPA has a dual mission: attracting foreign investment and strengthening the cooperation between Hungarian SMEs and large corporations. HIPA supports domestic firms, among other initiatives via networking, a 1200+ supplier database, and government grants that can be applied for even for projects requiring an investment of EUR 2-3 million.