EDIH-SMITZH Zuid-Holland: EDIH-SMITZH

Programme(s): Digital Europe Programme (DIGITAL)-undefined

Topic(s): DIGITAL-2021-EDIH-INITIAL-01

Type of action: DIGITAL Simple Grants

Project ID: 101083302

Objective:
EDIH-SMITZH is the EDIH for the province of Zuid-Holland (NL). The EDIH focuses on Manufacturing, Port & Maritime Industry and Horticulture. Our technology differentiators are AI for XXL-scale robotics and additive manufacturing, connected systems (IoT, 5G, Quantum) and cybersecurity. The EDIH will inform 1500 SMEs, activate 600 SMEs to work on digitalization, and support 60 SMEs in deployment of such technologies. Our consortium consists of InnovationQuarter, the economic development agency for Zuid-Holland, and TU Delft, who both already play a pivotal role in supporting SMEs. EDIH-SMITZH is supported by the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate and the Province of Zuid-Holland. EDIH-SMITZH expands on the existing SMITZH program that has reached over 650 SMEs, executed dozens of tests, trained over 1000 people and guided over 100 users to internationalization. We work according to a structured funnel approach. In Stage 1, Inform, we show digitalization options to SMEs and explain their benefits. Some SMEs enter Stage 2, Activate, where we evaluate their digital maturity and connect them with standard services. In Stage 3, Deploy, we help SMEs with specialized services, testing and training opportunities to take the first steps toward deployment. We provide a fast track where we connect SMEs with regular needs to service providers, and a deep track where we guide groups of SMEs with comparable, advanced needs. We expect to discover which services and advanced technologies are most effective. Lessons learned will be exchanged in the EDIH network. We manage the feedback loop to improve EDIH services and use this to improve regional education and build up human capital in the longer term. As a member of the EDIH network, we plan collaboration with EDIHs in The Netherlands, Germany, Flanders and Italy and European networks such as EEN, S+T+ARTS and Startup Europe.