Walton Institute and Tyndall Institute were delighted to represent ENTIRE EDIH at the recent European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) Networks Summit 2024 in Brussels. The conference saw 700 EDIH representatives from over 40 countries attend to exchange information on key topics such as AI and to facilitate in-depth discussions on practical areas including digital transformation and innovative solutions across multiple themes including agrifood, construction, cybersecurity, digital health, and smart connectivity.
During the two-day event attendees had the opportunity to participate in workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions designed to foster collaboration and share best practices. They also heard from a number of prominent speakers regarding the importance and impact of the EDIHs including Roberto Viola Director General of DG CNECT (Directorate General of Communication, Networks, Content and Technology) at the European Commission; Lucilla Sioli Director AI Office, DG CNECT, European Commission; and Malgorzata Nikowska Head of Unit for Artificial Intelligence Innovation and Policy Coordination, DG CNECT, European Commission, who outlined the promising future of the EDIHs as AI enablers for businesses across Europe and beyond.
As part of the conference the EDIH Thematic Working Groups – Public Administration with focus on AI, Agrifood, Construction, Cybersecurity, Data in Manufacturing, Digital Business Models, Digital Health, Networking the Networks, Smart Connectivity, Sustainability, and Tourism – also took the opportunity to come together and foster further collaboration. This saw ENTIRE in conjunction with EDIH Bretagne, DigiAgriFood and Andalucía Agrotech DIH host a dynamic meeting of EDIH Agrifood Thematic Working Group members.
During the session Ms Doris Maquardt, Programme Officer EU Policies at the European Commission, presented on EU level initiatives in support of digitalisation in Agri-Food – Opportunities for EDIHs. ENTIRE’s Hazel Peavoy then provided an update on the exciting outcomes of the recent Synergy Days 2024, while Dungarvan Enterprise Centre’s Bill O’Gorman outlined how EDIH’s could best mobilise their regional stakeholders. This was followed by an insightful workshop led by ENTIRE’s Stephen Barnes supported by Thomas Lainé, EDIH Bretagne; Amarantidis Ioannis, DigiAgrifood; and Manuel Teva Fernández, Andalucía Agrotech DIH, focused on approaches to develop integrated training programmes, and establishing clear service pathways for SMEs.
The Summit also took the opportunity to position Phase II of the funding for EDIHs across Europe, where we will see the development of new technologies such as augmented intelligence and Quantum Computing coming to the fore.
ENTIRE looks forward to a working with the EDIH Network going forward to continue supporting SMEs and PSOs in their digital transformation. If you are an SME or PSO and are seeking support to digitise your organisation please contact ENTIRE:
Tyndall: Paul Gavin: paul.galvin@tyndall.ie
Walton Institute: Hazel Peavoy: hazel.peavoy@waltoninstitute.ie
UCC: Chrys Ngwa: chrys.ngwa@insight-centre.org and Linda O’Sullivan linda.osullivan@insight-centre.org
MTU: Brian Cahill: brian.cahill@mtu.ie
Skillnet: Stephen Lyons: stephen.lyons@skillnetireland.ie
