New report shows EDIHs are accelerating digital transformation across Europe

A comprehensive analysis from the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) shows how European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) are transforming the digital maturity of SMEs and public sector organisations (PSOs) across Europe.

Since its launch in 2023, the EDIH Network has become a key player in Europe’s digital transformation landscape. Now, a new State of Play report from the JRC provides the most detailed analysis yet of how the network operates, where it excels, and where further progress is needed.

The report draws on data from over 10,000 SMEs and 800 PSOs that used the Digital Maturity Assessment Tool (DMAT) to evaluate their digital capabilities. The findings confirm the EDIH Network’s impact: 90% of firms improved their digital maturity level after receiving EDIH support. The most significant relative gains were seen in AI adoption and automation, with average scores increasing by up to 35%.

Key findings from the report

• The EDIH Network has delivered over 18,000 services and engaged more than 200,000 participants via 5,000+ events since 2023.

• Services are distributed across training (30%), networking (27%), test-before-invest (25%), and funding advice (17%).

• Covering almost 90% of all EU regions, the EDIHs provide tailored digitalisation services to SMEs and public services;

The report also provides strategic insights into how firms evolve digitally. It confirms that digital business strategy is the key driver early in the process, followed by growth in data management, human-centric design, and, at higher levels, AI and automation. The structured development path identified through DMAT assessments is expected to help EDIHs better tailor their services to customer needs.

This focus on AI adoption is also reflected in broader EU strategy. As part of the  AI Continent Action Plan, the Commission has announced that EDIHs will evolve into Experience Centres for AI as regional key enablers for digital transformation and responsible AI adoption. Their hands-on support - from testing and training to investment guidance – will ensure that the benefits of AI are accessible across all regions and contribute to a cohesive, more innovation-driven Europe.

Read the full report: European Digital Innovation Hubs Network's activities and customers - Publications Office of the EU