The second annual EDIH Network Summit, held on November 26-27, 2024, at The Egg Conference Centre in Brussels, successfully brought together a diverse group of digital innovation enthusiasts, experts, and leaders from across Europe and beyond. This hybrid event attracted over 700 in-person attendees and more than 1,100 online participants from 43 countries, including representatives from over 200 digital innovation hubs.
The summit, a pivotal event for the European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) community, facilitated over 90 matchmaking meetings, enhancing collaborations that drive forward Europe’s digital agenda. This year’s theme focused on the integration and challenges of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital transformation, reflecting the recent incorporation of the EDIH Network into the EU AI Office within DG CNECT.
Keynote Highlights and Strategic Directions
Roberto Viola, Director-General of DG CNECT, outlined the pivotal role of AI within the EDIHs, stating that embracing AI is now at the core of their mission. With 80% of hubs actively involved in AI initiatives, Viola emphasized the importance of attracting and retaining diverse talent, accessing robust computing resources, and specializing in sectors like agritech and robotics to maximize impact.
Lucilla Sioli, Director of the AI Office at DG CNECT, highlighted the network’s significant expansion and impact, noting that EDIHs have provided over 18,000 services to more than 10,000 SMEs and public sector organizations. The network’s growth includes extending into neighboring regions such as Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Türkiye, Ukraine, and Kosovo, demonstrating a broadened scope and influence.
Celebrating Innovation: The Inaugural EDIH Network Awards
A major highlight of the summit was the inaugural EDIH Network Awards, celebrating outstanding contributions to Europe’s digital transformation. Awards were presented across five categories, showcasing innovative, sustainable, and human-centered digital solutions:
- Green Digitalisation: Catalonia Digital Innovation Hub (DIH4CAT) for their ARACNE project.
- Human-Centered AI: Enabling Digital Transformation in Hesse (EDITH) for The Future of Theatre.
- Digital Skills: HealthHub Finland (HHFIN) for their collaborative project revolutionizing healthcare education.
- Collaboration: European Digital Innovation Hub for Industry, Agrofood and Energy sectors in Lithuania (EDIH4IAE.LT) for fostering innovative alliances.
- People’s Choice Award: Canary Islands Digital Innovation Hub (CIDIHUB) in partnership with ARAGON EDIH and T4EfficiencyEDIH for their Triangular Series initiative.
Looking Forward
The EDIH Network Summit 2024 not only provided a platform for celebrating digital excellence but also included a full day of engaging parallel sessions, workshops, and panel discussions. These sessions further stimulated dialogue and collaboration among attendees, addressing the continuous expansion of the EDIH Network and its strategic role in tackling emerging challenges in digital transformation.
As the network continues to grow and adapt, the EDIH community remains committed to unlocking new opportunities and advancing digital innovation across Europe and its neighboring countries, ensuring a comprehensive approach to digital transformation that benefits all.