The Metrology Forum convened on December 5, 2023, as a component of the PTB project "Quality Standards for Increased Trade in the Eastern Partnership Countries". The event assembled participants from the metrology institutes of five European partnership countries – Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. Commencing with short presentations highlighting the international recognition of each national metrology institute, the forum followed with a comprehensive presentation by Mr. Chingis Kuanbayev, Head of CBKT and CIPM MRA Support/BIPM-International Liaison & Communication Department, on CIPM-MRA Requirements. In addition, representatives from the Moldovan and Georgian metrology institutes offered insightful reflections derived from their participations in COOMET and EURAMET peer evaluations. The central objective of the forum was to facilitate a regional knowledge exchange, providing a strategic platform for the dissemination of best practices and collaborative problem-solving. Moreover, opportunities for further regional activities, like regional trainings and inter-laboratory comparisions (ILCs) were discussed. Encouraged by the positive response, there is a strategic intent to institutionalize this forum as a recurrent event, fostering sustained connectivity and ensuring awareness of regional developments.

In an era defined by rapid technological advancements, the need for digital transformation has become increasingly evident across various industries. This need is particularly pronounced in the field of metrology and accreditation, where precision and quality assurance are paramount. On October 25, an engaging digitalization kick-off workshop brought together colleagues from national metrology institutes and national accreditation bodies from the European Partnership countries, including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. Moreover, other colleagues from Asia, participating in the ADAPT project, joined the workshop as eager listeners. This virtual gathering aimed to facilitate the exchange of insights, experiences, and best practices regarding digitalization within the field.

The workshop featured distinguished experts in digitalization processes in metrology and accreditation, including Sascha Eichstädt and Catharina Kulka-Peschke from PTB, and Wolfgang Breidenstein and Susanne Kuch from the German accreditation body DAkkS. Their informative presentations provided valuable input and set the stage for discussions among participants. The primary goal of the workshop was to create a platform for attendees to discuss current developments, identify the status quo, recognize existing needs and challenges, and explore potential synergies between institutions.

One of the most valuable aspects of the workshop was the opportunity for each European Partnership country institution to share presentations on the latest developments related to digitalization within their respective institutes. These presentations allowed for the exchange of experiences, the sharing of best practices, and the dissemination of crucial tips. One key takeaway was the understanding that digitalization is a gradual process that must be approached step by step.
During the discussions, participants recognized several primary goals and benefits associated with digitalization. Improved customer satisfaction emerged as a priority, along with the reduction of operating costs and the streamlining of bureaucratic processes. However, the participants also identified a significant challenge: a lack of awareness about digitalization issues on the customer side. Overcoming this hurdle will be essential for a successful digital transformation.