The first Annual European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) Network Summit, held from May 31 to June 1 in Brussels, showcased the latest advancements in digital innovation and fostered collaboration among industry experts and stakeholders.
The Summit is the key European digital innovation event of the year and provides an important platform for knowledge sharing and community building within the EDIH network. The 2023 edition brought together over 300 EDIH representatives, policy makers and civil servants
The Summit featured various keynote speakers, panel discussions, working groups and networking opportunities. Working Group 2 ‘Supporting the Low Digitalised SMEs’ was dedicated to showcasing the findings of the Smart Industrial Remoting study, implemented by PPMI in collaboration with the European Commission.
The working group began with a welcome address from Dr. Heidi Cigan, Senior Policy Officer at DG CNECT, who outlined the study’s context and objectives. Following the welcome, Rūta Gabaliņa, Senior Researcher at PPMI, presented the key findings from the digitalisation pilots conducted as part of the study. Rūta shared valuable insights and practical tips for EDIHs on effectively collaborating with SMEs and companies of low digital maturity.
The panel discussion that followed, moderated by Barbora Kudzmanaite, Research Manager at PPMI, featured distinguished speakers including Kristina Šermukšnytė-Alešiūnienė, Director of Agrifood Lithuania, and Anca Sandu, Managing Partner of UnitH2B.
The panelists shared their experiences, success stories, and insights, highlighting the importance of strong partnerships between hubs and SMEs. Key takeaways included the significance of trust building, finding common ground, and showcasing the value of digitalization to establish lasting collaborations.
As Kristina Šermukšnytė-Alešiūnienė has noticed in the discussion, it’s not easy to convince low digitalization SME’s to take a try and see the extra value. EDIHs make outstanding work in changing minds in management and creating networks that work. Being in the innovation community provides the support and inspiration to carry on ensuring sustainable and competitive business. The collaboration between EDIHs and SMEs empowers boths sides to create value together.
The EDIH network plays a crucial role in driving the digital transformation of European businesses. It aligns with the EU’s Digital Decade 2030 targets, focusing on accelerating the adoption of advanced digital technologies, supporting the growth of EU unicorns, and ensuring a basic level of digital maturity for SMEs.
The presentation of the Smart Industrial Remoting study at the EDIH Network Annual Summit not only raised awareness of its findings but also emphasized the critical importance of SME digitalization. As the study approaches its final stages, the upcoming milestone involves the development of a Digitalization Toolbox, a valuable resource providing practical tips and guidance for SMEs and EDIHs on implementing digital technologies.
Download the Working group 2 ‘Supporting the Low Digitalised SMEs’ slides HERE.