ADi4SMES

Accelerated Digitalisation of SMEs in the North Central Region through creation and development of an European Digital Innovation Hub

Backgound of the project

The European way for the Digital decade is to create a network of European digital innovation hubs to support the European SMEs and administration in the regions to accelerate their digital transformation. In the context of the Digital Europe Programme, this project represents creation and development of an EDIH to offer services to the SMEs and administration in the North Central Region of Bulgaria to reach higher digital maturity level and strengthen the resilience of the regional industry by boosting its digitalisation.

The services are planned to be of twin type: both digital and green. The Hub activities and services are focused on Artificial intelligence in the typical smart specialisation of the region Mechatronics and Informatics and ICT, but target also the most valuable capital – skilling, re- and up-skilling of the human resources. The lack of knowledge in the Hub to support the SMEs in the vast digitalisation field will be mitigated and overcome via the access to the broad network of EDIHs.

Objectives and Scope

The EDIH will serve as a central resource, providing AI-driven services tailored to the regional specialization in Mechatronics, Informatics, and ICT. The project’s goals include enhancing digital skills, re-skilling, and up-skilling human resources to better prepare them for an AI-enhanced workplace. This will address the knowledge gap in digital transformation by offering access to a wide European network of similar hubs, enabling regional businesses to benefit from cutting-edge technology and expertise.

Project Impact

Digital and Green Transformation: Services will promote both digital and sustainable practices.
AI-Centric Solutions: Focus on AI-driven software and hardware to accelerate SME market integration.
Regional Ecosystem Development: Fosters a community of users and suppliers, building regional innovation networks.
Networking and Best Practices: The hub will collaborate with the Digital Transformation Accelerator (DTA) and other European hubs, ensuring shared expertise, regional cross-support, and the spread of digital capabilities.

Strategic Support

The EDIH will act as an access point to the larger European ECICH network, providing SMEs and public actors with a connection to a broader ecosystem of digital innovation resources, essential for sustainable regional development and a more resilient economy.

Geographical scope
Regional
North Central Region

Information and contact
https://ric-gabrovo.com
edih@ric-gabrovo.com

Operational Program
Program “Research, Innovation and Digitization for Smart Transformation”

Priority Area
Sustainable Development of Bulgaria’s Research and Innovation Ecosystem

Project Code
BG16RFPR002-1.002

Project Duration
36 months

Budget
5,897,398.75 BGN