The SRC-EDIH consortium, composed of a number of partners and coordinated by the Development Centre Novo mesto, has been successful in the call for proposals for EDIH – European Digital Innovation Hub. The European Commission has recognised the potential of the SRC-EDIH consortium to deliver advanced digital transformation and innovation services to boost competitiveness in regions with clear added value. The details were presented at today’s press conference at the Novometi City Hall.
SRC-EDIH, as the European Digital Innovation Hub, will actively promote the digital transformation of SMEs and the public sector to increase the competitiveness and resilience of the European economy and society, taking into account the pillars of sustainable economic, environmental and social development. The Hub will be a point of knowledge, guidance and support to accelerate the widespread deployment of key digital technologies such as supercomputing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and robotics; and the development of digitally-enabled innovative business models. SRC-EDIH will facilitate access to prototypes and test environments to accelerate the deployment of new digital technologies and improve existing digital solutions. The Hub will also offer access to a range of educational content on digitalisation and the circular economy, support in connecting organisations with researchers and providers of innovative digital solutions, and support in finding European and national funding sources. “The project brings a number of benefits for the environment and various stakeholders, as SMEs and public administrations will have the opportunity to access different test environments, test advanced digital technologies such as robotics, supercomputing, artificial intelligence, verify their performance and identify the potential benefits of introducing these technologies into their business, practically free of charge or at a very reduced market value,” said project coordinator Dr Katerina Božič.
SRC-EDIH has been validated in both stages of the process, the first at national level and the second at the European Commission, under the Digital Europe Programme (DIGITAL). The selection for EDIH is a great success for our consortium, as 331 candidates from all over the European Union competed for the position. The project is worth €2,995,799.91 and runs for 36 months. “Digitalisation is something we cannot escape. The sooner we do this, the easier it will be and we believe that tomorrow we will have more digitised production in our companies, that local communities will develop more and different applications to make life easier for individuals, for citizens.” Franci Bratkovič, Director of the Novo mesto Development Centre, said about the added value for the environment.
SRC-EDIH is coordinated by the Development Centre Novo mesto, and the consortium consists of the following partners: the Municipality of Novo mesto, the Faculty of Information Studies in Novo mesto, the Faculty of Industrial Engineering Novo mesto, the University of Primorska, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Dolenjska and Bela Krajina, the Faculty of Applied Social Studies in Nova Gorica, the University of Nova Gorica, the Municipality of Ajdovščina, the RIC Bela Krajina, and the CADCAM Lab d.o.o., Koofr d.o.o., Mikrografija d.o.o.; and associated partners. By dispersing the partners’ activities, we have achieved adequate coverage of the two cohesion regions. “We believe that an important part of the development aspect in the light of the new visions in the field of sustainability and green is also digitalisation, and Novo mesto has the ambition to become a leading city in Slovenia and one of the leading cities in the European area,” said mag. Gregor Macedoni, Mayor of Novo mesto.
In line with the Digital Europe Programme, funded by the European Commission, the SRC-EDIH will operate on a not-for-profit basis, allowing for impartial guidance and implementation of activities. EDIH will be linked to the European Network of EDIHs, ensuring international and European involvement and cooperation.
Novo mesto Development Centre with partners
Photo: Novo mesto Municipality
