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French EDIHs Coordination - Network of the 16 French EDIHs

French EDIHs Coordination - Network of the 16 French EDIHs
Published at 01 October 2024 | France

General details

EDIHs involved


Services provided
Networking and access to innovation ecosystems
Technologies
Artificial Intelligence & Decision support
Cybersecurity
Big data
High performance computing
Sectors
Manufacturing and processing
Automotive
Agricultural biotechnology and food biotechnology
Polymers and plastics
NMP Non-Metallic Materials & basic processes
Energy
Environment

Challenges

The challenge identified was the need for better coordination among EDIHs working in different sectors and technologies. Despite their individual expertise, EDIHs faced difficulties in collaborating effectively due to fragmented communication and a lack of structured interaction. This fragmentation led to duplicated efforts, inconsistent service offerings, and missed opportunities for synergistic innovation.

To address this, an informal network of EDIHs was set up, providing a platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing. By defining key topics and creating working groups, the network aims to bridge gaps, streamline communication, and foster deeper engagement. This approach will help resolve existing issues by leveraging the collective strengths and diverse expertise of each EDIH, ensuring a more cohesive effort toward innovation and digital transformation.

Solutions

To tackle the identified challenges, a comprehensive and strategic solution was implemented through a series of targeted collaborations. Monthly meetings were organised, with detailed minutes to ensure consistent communication and exchange of updates on news, events, and the collective definition of key topics for discussion. Additionally, focused meetings with key national stakeholders were held, including a pivotal session with the French Public Investment Bank (BPI) to explore synergies between national grant programs and the services provided by EDIHs.

Another essential meeting took place with the cybersecurity representative of the French National Union of SMEs (CPME) to establish collaboration frameworks. This ensured that SMEs identified by the CPME could benefit from Digital Maturity Assessments (DMA) and subsequent services offered by the EDIHs. Furthermore, a structured process was put in place to manage requests from European EDIHs, streamlining their access to resources and support.

This strategic approach has effectively strengthened collaboration, addressed shared challenges, and fostered a more cohesive and integrated network of EDIHs, ensuring greater impact and efficiency across the board.

French Corridor Members

Results and Benefits

The implementation of the collaborative solution has yielded significant results and benefits. Firstly, there is now access to a national network of 16 EDIHs, providing a comprehensive overview of their locations, contact points, and services offered. This network has enhanced the ability to coordinate efforts and share resources effectively. Additionally, the network has facilitated access to other corridors, such as the Greater Region Corridor, broadening the scope of collaboration and resource sharing. Furthermore, stakeholders benefit from up-to-date information on national funding opportunities, including the IA grant from the BPI, which supports innovation initiatives. Finally, the establishment of a shared calendar of events has streamlined coordination and enhanced visibility of relevant activities across the network. Overall, these advancements have improved operational efficiency, fostered greater collaboration, and strengthened the collective impact of EDIHs in driving digital innovation and transformation.

Example of online meetings & meeting in Paris

Perceived social/economic impact

The collaborative efforts have had a notable social and economic impact. Through regular exchanges about the services provided, EDIHs have generated new ideas for expanding and improving their offerings. Common bottlenecks have been identified, allowing the network to devise innovative solutions to overcome these challenges. Additionally, feedback from initial DMAs has been instrumental in optimizing services, ensuring that they are more effective and better tailored to the needs of the stakeholders. This proactive approach has enhanced the overall impact of the network, fostering both social and economic benefits through improved service delivery and collaborative problem-solving.

Measurable data

  • 20 on line meetings / Physical meeting (regional and national events)

  • Cross-participation to kick-off meeting, stakeholders meetings,.....

  • 5 working groups

  • 1 common working space

  • Common communication tools (ex map of the french EDIH). 

  • Promotion of the network in other corridors and networks (ex AIXIA event (French-German) corrdinated by the german EDIH AICS). 

Lessons learned

DOs:

  • Establish a collaboration framework: Foster strong cohesion between the management teams of the EDIH to ensure seamless communication and shared objectives.

  • Host regular strategic meetings: Organise monthly meetings with formal minutes, utilising a blend of online and in-person sessions to maintain flexibility and engagement.

  • Create specialised working groups: Set up dedicated working groups, each managed by different EDIHs, to promote active cooperation and cross-functional collaboration.

  • Provide shared resources: Implement a common working space along with robust communication tools to streamline information sharing and enhance teamwork.  

DON'Ts:

  • Avoid top-down leadership: Do not centralize authority under a single leader with passive followers. Instead, cultivate a shared vision and encourage collective decision-making across all EDIH teams.

The Benefits of the collaboration

The French Corridor is gathering the 16 EDIHs from France: CYBIAH (Ile de France); DEDIHCATED BFC (Bourgogne-Franche-Comté); DIGIHALL (Ile de France); Dihnamic (Nouvelle-Aquitaine); DIHNAMO (Normandie); DIVA (Pays de la Loire); EDIH Bretagne (Bretagne); EDIH Corsica.ai (Corse); EDIH-GE (Grand-Est); Reunion THD (La Réunion); OccitanIA (Occitanie); GreenPowerIT (Hauts de France); LVDH (Centre Val de Loire); Minasmart (AURA); Move2Digital (PACA); POLYTRONICS (AURA, CVDL, BFC).

The French Corridor was set up in 2021 at the initiative of the EDIH candidate MINASMART and coordinated since January 2023 by the EDIH Grand Est. After the selection of the 16 French EDIH, we have all decided to continue our exchanges monthly. The objectives of the French corridor are to:

  • Mutualize experience and best practices between the EDIHs. We organize every month (1st Friday) a visio-conference of 1h30 between EDIH coordinators. 

  • Set up communities: AI, Cyber…

  • Share agenda and organize common events (E.g. INCYBER in Lille (March 2024...)

  • Be the common interface to national stakeholders: e.g. meeting in December 2023 with the General Directorate for Enterprises (Ministry of Finance) and the BPI (Public Bank of Investment) to discuss synergies between EDIH and Diagnostics promoted by the BPI. 

Lessons learned – do’s and don’ts of the collaboration

Do's: 

  • Foster Regular Exchanges Between EDIH: Regular interactions between the European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) facilitate valuable data sharing, the exchange of best practices, collaborative participation in events, and streamlined access to key national stakeholders, such as the BPI (Public Investment Bank) and French governmental ministries.

  • Blend Online and In-Person Meetings: Incorporating both virtual and in-person meetings during events strengthens team cohesion and fosters a collaborative team spirit across the network.

Network of the 16 French EDIH
DTA

Other Information

Set up a global network is a real accelerator for the different EDIHs especially for those were selected in november 2022. It reinforces also cohesion between the EDIH management teams. 

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