Fostering Digital Transformation: EDIH Workshop at EIT Manufacturing Day

The challenge that triggered the engagement of our EDIH’s services stemmed from the need for more effective and meaningful collaboration among EDIHs. Despite frequent efforts to foster cooperation, we identified a gap in opportunities for in-depth, face-to-face interactions where EDIHs could discuss their experiences and best practices comprehensively.

We recognized a need for additional events that would complement the annual EDIH Summit by offering more specialised, face-to-face interactions. These events can facilitate detailed discussions, allow for deeper dives into specific experiences, and provide extended networking opportunities.

Here are some challenges the EDIH representative identified during the workshop:

Training services:

• Alignment Issues: It was challenging to ensure consistency and relevance across partner organisations, which sometimes hindered content development.

• Engagement with SMEs: While the trainings were not free, the reduced costs were still a barrier for some SMEs, limiting participation.

Test-before-invest:

• Perception of Value: The psychological hurdle of offering services for free or at a low cost reduced perceived value for some SMEs.

• Bureaucracy: Administrative and procedural complexities often slowed down progress.

• Hesitation to Begin: Some companies were reluctant to engage due to initial uncertainties about the process.

Support to find investment:

• Fragmented Value Chain: The high fragmentation of the value chain complicates the process of securing investments.

• Consultant Preference: SMEs often turned to external consultants instead of EDIH support, preferring specialised advice.

Networking:

• National Funding Barriers: Restrictions on national funding and the inability to offer services across borders created hurdles for joint international efforts.

• Project Timing: Differences in project timelines between EDIHs made it difficult to coordinate joint services.

To address the challenge of providing more focused and interactive collaboration opportunities for EDIHs, we organised the EDIH workshop as part of the EIT Manufacturing Day. This strategic timing allowed participating EDIHs to benefit from both the workshop and the broader event, maximising their engagement and value from the day.

The EDIH workshop took place in the morning and lasted approximately two hours. The session began with a brief introduction, followed by table discussions on four key topics: Training, Test Before Invest, Support to Find Investment, and Networking. Each table engaged in detailed conversations about challenges, best practices, and recommendations within their service area. For each Service, the following questions were discussed:

• How is this service structured within your EDIH?

• How have companies received this service so far?

• Name obstacles you have encountered while facilitating this service.

• Success stories: What kind of trainings have done well and why is that?

• How can collaboration with other EDIHs help in facilitating this service?

At the end of the discussions, each table presented their findings to the entire group, allowing participants to gain insights not only from their chosen area of focus but also from other service categories. This format ensured that participants could discuss their preferred EDIH services while also learning about the key takeaways from other areas. The session concluded with time allocated for informal networking, further enhancing opportunities for relationship-building and knowledge exchange.

Follow-up actions taken after the workshop include MoUs between EDIHs, planning of joint webinars and meetings to discuss projects that could benefit either EDIHs.

• Improved Access to Tailored Services: The workshop fostered collaboration among EDIHs, leading to the sharing of best practices and the potential development of more tailored services such as AI training, cybersecurity solutions, and support for digital transformation. SMEs and PSOs could benefit from these enhanced services that are better aligned with their specific needs.

• Stronger Support for Innovation: By discussing and refining programs like "Test Before Invest" and investment support, SMEs and PSOs would gain access to more reliable and effective tools for testing new technologies and attracting investments, lowering the risks associated with innovation.

• Enhanced Training Programs: The identification of successful training programs and challenges faced by EDIHs led to recommendations for improving the accessibility and quality of training on topics like AI, cybersecurity, and digital supply chains. SMEs and PSOs would benefit from more affordable, high-quality, and relevant training that addresses their specific gaps, particularly in underexplored areas like AI in HR and operations.

• Increased Networking Opportunities: The focus on enhancing cross-EDIH networking services means SMEs and PSOs could tap into broader European networks, enabling them to collaborate with peers, access new markets, and form partnerships that drive innovation.

• Streamlined Access to Funding: Discussions on improving support for investment could lead to better opportunities for SMEs and PSOs to connect with potential investors. This could result in joint pitch events, one-on-one mentoring, and broader access to European and international funding opportunities, easing the path to securing financial support.

• Internationalisation and Knowledge Sharing: Collaboration between EDIHs would provide SMEs and PSOs with a broader perspective on best practices and technological advancements across Europe. This access to a wider pool of knowledge and resources would help them stay competitive and innovative on a global scale.