By providing access to technical expertise and experimentation as well as the possibility to 'test before invest', EDIHs will help companies improve business/production processes, products, or services using digital technologies. They will also provide innovation services, such as financing advice, training, and skills development that are needed for a successful digital transformation. Environmental issues will also be taken into account, in particular with regard to energy consumption and low carbon emissions.
How will the EDIHs work?
European Digital Innovation Hubs will have both local and European functions. The Digital Europe Programme will increase the capacities of the selected hubs to cover activities with a clear European added value, based on networking and by promoting the transfer of expertise. Member States have an essential role in the selection process of the EDIHs: the initial network of EDIHs will be established from a list of candidate-hubs designated by the Member States.
The European Commission has developed a document (.pdf) that explains how the EDIH will be implemented in the Digital Europe Programme as well as a series of answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ as pdf). The Joint Research Centre of the European Commission has developed a practical handbook with good practices on investments in Digital Innovation Hubs.
Many European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) will be based on existing clusters, or include organisations that are part of an EEN consortia. The SME Strategy also commits to expand Digital Innovation Hubs in connection with Startup Europe and the EEN and provide a seamless service within local and regional ecosystems. Access the guidance document (.pdf) to establish these collaborations.
