The “Testing and Experimentation” work package (WP5) of the EDIH North Central Bulgaria plays a pivotal role in supporting the digital transformation of SMEs and public sector organizations. By assessing digital maturity levels and establishing cutting-edge laboratories, the initiative empowers regional stakeholders to adopt innovative technologies and practices. Through structured evaluations, pilot services, and best practice case studies, WP5 fosters sustainable innovation and strengthens the technological capacity of the Gabrovo region and beyond.

The main focus of the WP5 Testing and Experimentation is to conduct an assessment of the digital maturity of SMEs and public organizations through the use of a specific online-based tool. The measurement will be carried out three times for each organization – at the beginning, after service delivery, and after one year.

As part of the package, the establishment of six laboratories is also planned:

· AI in Manufacturing

· 3D Printing Laboratory

· Environmental Laboratory

· Digital Twins and MR Laboratory

· Climate Impact on Materials Laboratory

· Computer Laboratory

So far, an assessment of the digital maturity has been carried out for several organizations – Plastico in Veliko Tarnovo, Adtech, Mechatronica, Podemcrane JSC, Impuls JSC, STS Pack Holding in Gabrovo, as well as the Regional Administration of Veliko Tarnovo, Gabrovo Municipality and Lyaskovets Municipality.

 

Agreements have been signed with companies and public organizations totaling over BGN 1 million.

A large part of the equipment for the laboratories has also been purchased:

· Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing Laboratory – 1 CNC lathe, a precision robot, a profilometer, and two 5-axis machining centers. In June, the delivery of two more CNC lathes and a demonstration line is expected.

· 3D Printing Laboratory – A laboratory extruder and a laboratory chamber.

· Environmental Laboratory – A spectrophotometer and a test printer with a dryer are scheduled for delivery in June.

For the remaining laboratories, the announcement of tender procedures is currently being prepared.

The Work Package Testing and Experimentation also includes the presentation of case studies that serve as examples of good practices in the work of SMEs and public administrations. Within the framework of the work package, innovative competitions will be organized, and the creation of new ideas will be encouraged.

 

EDIH North Central Bulgaria has acquired the laboratory equipment under project BG16RFPR002-1.002-0001-C01 “Accelerated Digitalisation for SMEs in the North-Central Region through the Establishment and Development of EDIH North Central Bulgaria”. The project is funded by the Programme “Research, Innovation and Digitalisation for Smart Transformation” 2021–2027, co-financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund. The project is coordinated by the Regional Innovation Centre “Ambitious Gabrovo”.

Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. The European Union cannot be held responsible for them.