The Pivotal Role of Bulgarian EDIHs in Europe’s Digital Transformation

[ 12.12.2023 ]

The European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) have been instrumental in advancing digitalization across European businesses. With 227 hubs already in operation, these networks cover 85% of European regions, impacting almost 90% of the EU’s workforce. Bulgaria, an active participant in this network, will host a national network of 12 EDIHs, where 4 ot them are already financed and another cohort of 8 is expected to be funded in 2024. With this second phase it is expected that almost the full country’s territory will be covered.

With the financing through PNIIDIT, EDIHs will also have the opportunity to equip themselves with modern technological solutions to support innovation by region. Despite the challenges in granting funding – delays due to the lengthy process at the national level, the Bulgarian EDIH network is functioning effectively, which is a testament to the sustainability and commitment of these centers.

A notable example of this perseverance is the Southeast Digital Innovation Hub (DIGIHUB). As a member of the Bulgarian EDIH network, he exemplifies the spirit of innovation and adaptability. DIGIHUB, together with its founders and partners, notably Municipality of Burgas, ICTC “Cluster Information and Communication Technologies – Burgas”, University “Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov” – Burgas, Burgas Free University, “Digitalization and Implementation of New Technologies” Foundation, Regional Center of BAS – Burgas, “Industrial and Logistics Park – Burgas” AD, Association for Innovations, Business Services and Technologies (AIBEST ), plays a vital role in driving digital transformation, supporting SMEs and enhancing public sector capabilities through advanced technologies such as AI, cyber security and high performance computing in the Southeast region. It is expected that in 2024, two laboratories will be opened – for cloud technologies and artificial intelligence, which will be available to SMEs from the region.

The first EDIH network performance report is available here, and you can learn more about the network and its role in enabling digital transformation at EU level here.

EDIH-DIGIHUB Team

 

References

De Nigris, S., Kalpaka, A., & Nepelski, D. (2023). Characteristics and regional coverage of the European Digital Innovation Hubs network. Publications Office of the European Union. 

https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/e861d2af-97d4-11ee-b164-01aa75ed71a1/language-en