Key Takeaways
- European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) are propelling digital transformation in European businesses and public sector organisations.
- A new call for EDIH proposals has added 15 more hubs to the network, with operations expected to start by mid-2023.
- EDIHs are focusing on environmental sustainability by promoting digital technologies that foster circularity and ecological responsibility.
- An online portal and assessment tool have been launched to gauge the impact and effectiveness of EDIHs.
- A vibrant community of hubs, stakeholders, SMEs, and public sectors is being built to foster networking, cooperation, and knowledge transfer.
EDIHs: Breeding Grounds for Digital Transformation
The digital era is reshaping industries, and keeping pace with this rapid change has become crucial for businesses. European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) have emerged as one-stop shops, assisting companies and public sector organisations to navigate digital challenges. These hubs bolster competitiveness by providing access to technical expertise, financing advice, training, skills development, and opportunities to ‘test before invest.’
The Growth and Expansion of the EDIH Network
In an effort to diversify the reach and influence of EDIHs, the Digital Europe Programme (DIGITAL) has recently concluded its second call for EDIH proposals. This resulted in the selection of 15 more hubs, with the total now standing at 151. These new additions are expected to become operational by mid-2023. Interestingly, the programme’s funding structure encourages both public and private participation, with 50% of the funding coming from DIGITAL and the rest from Member States, associated countries, their regions, and/or private sources.
Digital Technologies for Environmental Sustainability
In an era of heightened environmental awareness, EDIHs are playing a critical role in promoting sustainability. They assist companies in leveraging digital technologies to tackle environmental issues, particularly focusing on sustainable and circular business models. This is not just about being ecologically responsible, it’s also about unlocking new business opportunities and efficiencies in the ‘circular economy’.
Assessing the Impact of EDIHs
To track the effectiveness and impact of the EDIH network, an online portal equipped with a Digital Maturity Assessment tool has been developed. This tool, created by the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission, allows all EDIHs to measure the digital maturity progress of their customers. Through this, organisations can assess the value of the digital transformation services they receive from the hubs.
Building a Vibrant Community around EDIHs
The European Commission aims to foster a thriving community of hubs, stakeholders, SMEs, and public sectors through the EDIH network. To facilitate this, the Digital Transformation Accelerator (DTA) manages the web presence of the network and provides appropriate software platforms and tools. This creates an ecosystem for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and mutual growth.
EDIHs and Other Initiatives
Many EDIHs are inclusive of organisations that are part of the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) or European Industrial Clusters (EIC). The goal is to develop robust connections with these networks to offer a seamless service to SMEs within local and regional ecosystems. A guidance document is underway to lay down best practices for this cooperation.
The EDIH initiative stands as a testament to Europe’s dedication to fostering digital innovation. It is a major leap towards digital transformation, bringing together the benefits of regional presence and a pan-European network. The journey of digital evolution doesn’t end here; there’s much more to come from this dynamic, forward-looking initiative. The increasing emphasis on environmental sustainability, circularity, and the use of the keyword ‘eidh’ demonstrates a robust, integrated approach towards a more digital, sustainable future for Europe. It’s not just about getting businesses to adopt digital technology; it’s about making Europe a leader in the digital age.
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