Facilitating Digital Collaboration Across German EDIHs

In the dynamic landscape of digital transformation, collaboration and effective communication are critical drivers of innovation. With the rapid establishment of EDIHs across Europe, including a substantial number in Germany, there emerged a pressing challenge: the lack of a unified digital platform where these hubs could connect, collaborate, and share resources. While each hub operated independently, the absence of a common space for interaction meant that opportunities for joint innovation were often missed, and the benefits of shared knowledge and expertise were not fully realised.

The challenge was to create a platform that could bridge this gap, bringing together the various EDIHs in Germany (and in future also throughout the EU) in a seamless, integrated environment. The platform needed to support not just basic communication, but also robust collaboration tools that would enable the EDIHs to work together on complex projects, share resources efficiently, and enhance their overall impact on digital transformation efforts.

The EDIH Südwestfalen, in partnership with the University of Siegen, launched the EDIH Network Hub to improve networking and communication among European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs). Initially focused on Germany, the platform's success has led to plans for expanding it across Europe, aiming to foster cross-border collaboration and improve the execution of transnational projects. The platform was developed in response to the urgent need for a collaboration tool among the German EDIHs, as the platform from another project could not be utilised for specific reasons. 

A key feature of the platform is the ability to create "Spaces" for specific topics, projects, or initiatives. These dedicated areas allow members to share ideas, collaborate, and track progress in a focused environment. Each Space includes a Stream feature that functions like a social media timeline, keeping members updated on all discussions and developments. This has proven effective in breaking down communication barriers and enabling more efficient collaboration.

The Hub also includes an event management tool that simplifies the organisation of events such as workshops or conferences. Users can invite participants, manage RSVPs, and monitor engagement, improving the planning and execution of collaborative events. 

Additionally, the Hub’s file-sharing system allows for easy access to project-related documents, centralising resources and improving teamwork. The platform also features a Wiki tool for creating a structured knowledge base, allowing users to document and share best practices and guidelines. This fosters a culture of knowledge sharing across the network.

Lastly, the platform includes a survey and polling tool to gather user feedback, ensuring that the Hub remains responsive to the needs of its members. Regular surveys help administrators make improvements that enhance the platform’s usability and effectiveness.

The platform can be accessed here.

Since its launch, the EDIH Network Hub has had a significant impact on how EDIHs in Germany collaborate and innovate with each other. The platform, particularly used by the EDIH Country Group Germany, has successfully addressed the challenges of fragmented communication and siloed operations by offering a centralised space for connection, resource-sharing, and joint initiatives. Its success in Germany has sparked plans for expansion, aiming to make the Hub accessible to EDIHs across Europe.

With over 80 users now on the platform, its reach and influence continues to grow. A notable feature is the ability for each member to create dedicated Spaces, which fosters more effective collaboration on both regional and cross-border projects. For instance, besides the Space used by the Country Group Germany, a separate Space for public relations has been established, where representatives from all German EDIHs involved in public relations can collaborate. Additionally, the EDIH Südwestfalen uses its own Space for internal collaboration, showcasing the platform's versatility.

The Hub's event management tool has simplified the organisation of events, bringing together digital innovators from across the network. Additionally, the file-sharing, Wiki, and survey features enhance the collaborative environment by enabling smooth handling of tasks such as scheduling through surveys and sharing important documents. Registered members also benefit from a weekly email summary of Hub activities, keeping them informed of ongoing developments. 

The joint review meeting between EDIHs Dortmund and Südwestfalen was organised through the platform, further demonstrating its capability to centralise diverse collaboration efforts.

The real value of the EDIH Network Hub becomes apparent when it serves as a central point of contact for all EDIHs to connect and network with each other. In the future, there is potential for all Working Groups to transition their collaboration to this platform, which could render current tools like Microsoft Teams. With a single login, users can handle a wide range of activities, from group collaboration to individual messaging through the chat function.

Another significant advantage of the platform is its focus on data protection. Hosted on a server at the University of Siegen, the platform ensures that data is stored within the European Union, thus avoiding the risks associated with data being transferred to potentially unsafe third countries, such as the USA. To further enhance security, user accounts are manually activated after registration to prevent fraud and unauthorised activities.

The EDIH Network Hub, operated by the University of Siegen for the EDIH Südwestfalen, has proven to be a powerful tool for enhancing collaboration and communication among EDIHs in Germany. By addressing the challenges of fragmented communication and providing a centralised platform for resource sharing and collaboration, the Hub has become a cornerstone of the digital innovation ecosystem within Germany.

Looking ahead, the EDIH Network Hub is set to expand its reach beyond Germany, with the ultimate goal of becoming a central platform for all EDIHs across Europe. However, support from the DTA is being sought for this. This expansion will enable cross-border collaborations and more efficient execution of transnational projects, ensuring that Europe remains at the forefront of digital innovation. As the platform continues to evolve, it will play a vital role in supporting the digital transformation efforts of SMEs, PSOs, and other stakeholders across Europe. It is therefore conceivable to bring companies and organisations onto the platform after the individual EDIHs, in order to directly network EDIHs and companies with each other.

However, it has become clear that various stakeholders initially need to be convinced to use the platform. This is usually achieved through personal conversations and demonstrating its useful features. Once a critical mass is reached, or a sufficient number of people are using the platform, others tend to follow automatically. As a result, there are ongoing registrations within Germany, as the platform's range of functions continues to prove its value.