A Deep Dive into Digital Business Transformation in Central and Eastern Europe: Opportunities, Challenges, and Success Stories

Unlocking the Region’s Digital Potential

Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) is at a pivotal moment in its digital evolution. As organizations across the region accelerate their digital business transformation journeys, the need for partners with both local expertise and global reach has never been greater. Publicis Sapient, through its strategic acquisition of Tremend—one of the largest and fastest-growing independent software engineering companies in CEE—has established itself as a uniquely positioned leader to address the region’s digital transformation needs.

Regional Market Trends and Opportunities

CEE is characterized by rapid economic growth, a vibrant technology sector, and a deep pool of engineering talent. The region’s businesses are increasingly focused on modernizing operations, enhancing customer experiences, and complying with evolving regulatory requirements. Industries such as finance, telecom, and retail are at the forefront, seeking to leverage digital technologies to drive efficiency, innovation, and growth.

The demand for digital business transformation in CEE is driven by several factors:

Navigating the Regulatory Environment

The regulatory landscape in CEE, especially in finance and data management, is complex and rapidly evolving. Publicis Sapient’s work with European DataWarehouse (EDW) exemplifies how organizations can successfully navigate these challenges. By implementing a cloud-based, compliant reporting platform, Publicis Sapient enabled EDW to become one of the first Securitisation Repositories registered under the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA). This transformation not only ensured regulatory compliance but also delivered a seamless user experience and a robust technical foundation for future growth.

Harnessing the Region’s Talent Pool

Tremend, based in Bucharest, Romania, brings over 16 years of experience and a team of more than 650 software engineers to Publicis Sapient. This deep talent pool is skilled in high-demand areas such as agile engineering, cloud, and data analytics. The integration of Tremend’s expertise with Publicis Sapient’s global SPEED (Strategy, Product, Experience, Engineering, and Data & AI) capabilities creates a powerful engine for delivering impactful digital transformation projects across CEE.

Success Stories Across Key Industries

Finance

Publicis Sapient’s partnership with leading financial institutions in Europe demonstrates its ability to deliver complex, regulatory-compliant digital solutions. For example, the transformation program for European DataWarehouse enabled secure, real-time processing and validation of billions of loan-level data records, supporting transparency and compliance in the EU securitization market.

Telecom

Tremend’s client base includes major telecom operators such as Orange, where agile engineering and digital product development have driven enhanced customer experiences and operational efficiencies. By leveraging cloud and data-driven approaches, telecom clients have been able to modernize their platforms and respond rapidly to market changes.

Retail

Retailers in CEE are embracing digital commerce and omnichannel strategies to meet evolving consumer expectations. Publicis Sapient’s recognized leadership in retail commerce platforms and co-innovation services has helped clients implement scalable, personalized digital experiences that drive growth and loyalty. The integration of Tremend’s engineering talent further strengthens the ability to deliver tailored solutions for the region’s dynamic retail sector.

Why Publicis Sapient and Tremend?

The combination of Publicis Sapient’s global reach and Tremend’s local expertise offers several distinct advantages for organizations in CEE:

Looking Ahead: The Future of Digital Transformation in CEE

As digital transformation continues to reshape industries across Central and Eastern Europe, organizations need partners who understand the region’s unique challenges and opportunities. Publicis Sapient, powered by Tremend’s established presence and expertise, is committed to helping clients navigate this journey—unlocking new value, accelerating growth, and building the digital businesses of the future.

To learn more about how Publicis Sapient can support your organization’s digital transformation in Central and Eastern Europe, connect with our team today.