Digital Innovation Hubs
The European Commission developed new network of Digital Innovation Hubs. The underlying aim of that network is to provide support to European companies in exploiting current digital technologies. Digital Innovation Hubs are one-stop shops composed of experts (researchers and engineers) in Robotics, Big Data and Artificial Intelligence with a focus on the agricultural sector. agROBOfood network has successfully created a community that focuses in robotic solutions that can change agriculture for the better; Technology that meets end- users needs. The DIHs of the network ensure the smooth transition of the agri-food sector towards a sustainable future. Throughout the implementation of their services (Scale up Services), DIHs adopt a stepwise, tailor-made approach, starting from the challenges and needs of the agri-food companies in their region. If there is a specific need that cannot be answered within the local DIH, the company can access specialised services offered by another DIH in the network. The investment in the European-wide DIH network has proved to be efficient in removing bottlenecks, preparing the ground for robotic solutions integration and network expansion. agROBOfood network has successfully created a community, which is expected to grow further.
Scale Up Services
What services do DIHs offer to SMEs?
By providing access to technical expertise and testing, as well as the possibility to 'test before invest', DIHs support companies to improve business/production processes, products, or services using robotic technologies.
They also provide innovation services, such as financing advice, training, and skills development that are central to successful digital transformation. Environmental issues are also taken into account, in particular with regard to the use of digital technologies for sustainability and circularity.
DIHs combine the benefits of a regional presence with the opportunities available to a pan-European network. This regional presence leaves them well-placed to provide the services local companies need, through the local language and innovation ecosystem. The European coverage of the network facilitates the exchange of best practices across hubs in different countries as well as the provision of specialised services across regions when the needed skills are not locally available.
Built around a community of highly trained experts, this cutting edge robotic-centric and niche service provides infrastructure, advice and training to agri-business SMEs embarking on their digitalisation journey.
To accelerate the uptake of robotic technologies and ensure the scaling-up of agricultural robotics solutions this robust service portfolio includes:
Skills and training
Ecosystem and Networking opportunities
Test before invest
Support to find investments
European Digital Innovation Hubs can support the other Digital Innovation Hubs with AI, HPC or Cy, representing them in the EU EDIH network or connecting them with DIHs from other countries. With the EDIH network the European Commission wants to build a vibrant community of hubs and other stakeholders fostering networking, co-operation, and knowledge transfer activities between EDIH, SME and mid-caps, the public sector and the other relevant stakeholders and initiatives. agROBOfood, working under that umbrella, brings together the actors of the agri- food robotics in one place; at the same time it will connect with EDIHs to leverage access to a wider network, offering more knowledge and opportunities for growth.
If you are looking for support to respond to digital challenges outside the agri-food robotics sector, more information is available through EUs’ Smart Specialisation Platform!
Visit the EUs’ Smart Specialisation PlatformRegional Clusters
agROBOfood network used 7 Regional Clusters to facilitate the provision of services at a regional level throughout the lifetime of the project. Several DIHs are connected to a cluster, creating small scale vibrant communities that are then connected with the overall agROBOfood ecosystem. Clusters can facilitate the different actors to identify needs and opportunities and deliberate about industry needs. Discover the network’s regional clusters:
