European Commission approves nationwide network of European Digital Innovation Hubs

Smart Industry –

The European Commission has approved the proposal for five European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) in the Netherlands to accelerate the digitization of the economy. Small and medium-sized enterprises can use some help with this. That is why there will be a network of regional contact points spread across Europe where entrepreneurs can go for advice and assistance.

The EDIHs will share best practices with each other, provide regional services, launch joint national initiatives and develop thematic activities – for example on cyber security and AI. Dutch companies will get help to deploy resources more efficiently and effectively and to make optimal use of national expertise and specializations. In addition, sharing experiences will be improved.

Smart Industry Hubs
The EDIHs use existing structures and build on the Smart Industry Hubs, which originate from the national Smart Industry Program, such as BOOST Smart Industry in the Eastern Netherlands. An EDIH consists of three pillars: knowledge and skills, test facilities (test-before-invest) and access to finance. For the East Netherlands, EDIH BOOST Robotics EastNL will focus on manufacturing companies in SMEs, agrifood and medtech. If companies become familiar with the new generation of digitization possibilities, they can apply these in their own organization, products and services.

Companies will get faster and better access to field labs and skills labs, test facilities, and financing and internationalization opportunities. Dutch provinces Overijssel and Gelderland are proud of their manufacturing companies and see a bright future for them, because they can help solve social issues in food supply and health. Taking steps in digitization is necessary, because other European countries and the global economy are not standing still either.

The provinces of Overijssel and Gelderland, together with 16 consortium partners, have applied for a subsidy from the Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland (RVO). Over the next three years, EUR 6 million in subsidies will be made available by the EU (35%), the Ministry of Economic Affairs (35%) and the provinces of Overijssel and Gelderland (together 30%).

European network of EDIHs
In Europe, all EDIHs together form a large network that will help implement the Digital Europe Programme (DIGITAL). Also within the Netherlands, the 5 EDIHs will act together through a common back office. Under the watchful eye of the Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate, Micky Adriaansens, a covenant will be signed for this purpose during the national Smart Industry Annual Event on 29 June 2022.