DIH HIVE (Hub for Innovations in Virtual Environment)

DIH HIVE covers mainly Pilsen Region and Karlovy Vary Region. Strategic target of DIH HIVE is to help with the comprehensive implementation of the digitalization of the economy in the region and to have a visible physical presence, working closely and successfully with other actors (universities and RTOs, chambers of commerce, training centres, SMEs and other companies, supply chains, consultants, etc.) as an important partner of a regional ecosystem.

University of West Bohemia (UWB) as a founding member of the DIH HIVE is the main knowledge disseminator in the region. With its 9 faculties, 2 research institutes and the European Center of Excellence it has the capacity to cover technological as well as business issues. All of faculties and research institutes have a wide range of technologically oriented working facilities for prototyping, process improvement, product development and testing. An important activity of the university is the transfer of knowledge, cooperation with companies and the support of innovation. UWB is one of the founding members of the CESNET backbone network in the Czech Republic. CESNET operates and develops the national e-infrastructure for science, research and education which encompasses a computer network, computational grids, data storage and collaborative environment. The other research partner is the COMTES FHT company an organisation which provides research and development services in the field of metallic materials and introduces new forming and heat treatment processes, mainly in key sectors comprising the engineering, automotive and power industries.

The support for business and its innovation is ensured also by other hub partners. BIC Plzeň – Business and Innovation Centre has supported the establishment and development of innovative new businesses in the Pilsen region since 1992. It acts within international networks that support business and innovation, working in partnership with numerous other partners at the regional, national and international levels. BIC Plzeň is a member of European Business and Innovation Centre Network (EBN) and Enterprise Europe Network (EEN). BIC Plzeň also supports the operation of the Science and Technology Park which has a main role of regional incubator for starting companies. The strong linkage to policy development is ensured by the Regional Development Agency of the Pilsen Region (RDA) and the Business Development Agency of Karlovy Vary Region (KARP) which are the leading agencies responsible for the regional RIS3 strategy implementation. All those organisations have a wide experience in organisation of conferences, workshops, seminars, networking, exchange of knowledge, exchange of experts, etc.