The FZI Research Center for Information Technology at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology is a non-profit institution for applied research in information technology and technology transfer. Its task is to provide businesses and public institutions with the latest research findings in information technology. It also qualifies young researchers for their career in academics or business as well as self-employment. Digital technologies.

Futures of Innovation and Technology Digital Innovation Hub is created by the community, for the community, having a non-profit purpose. The DIH represents a partnership formed by different entities from the non-profit, public, private, but also from the academic field, all serving the same common goal: to develop and implement a complex process in order to facilitate the digital transformation of SMEs, organizations and public administrations in the Central Region of Romania, with the purpose of increasing the economic, social and administrative competitiveness of the region at European level.

The non-profit objective of FIT DIH is important in this regard and could encourage local companies to improve the overall impact of the local economy. When it is possible not to find the right local partners, the digital innovation hub can connect to the network with other DIHs to find a partner that fits elsewhere in Europe.

A true catalyst for innovation and digitalization, covering a wide range of services, FIT aligns with the four main types of services specific to a DIH. Through these, the hub brings together the entire ecosystem under a common mission, that of accelerated progress towards digitalization and the adoption of emerging technologies, serving both companies with tradition and start-ups and innovators. Our hub's activities towards supporting the local SMEs with their digital transformation are the following:

The “Test before invest” component aims to raise awareness and ensure access to expertise, know-how and digital transformation services, including testing and experimentation facilities.

A living lab is a research concept that can be defined as an open, iterative and user-centered innovation ecosystem, operated at the territorial level (Central Region), integrating research, development and innovation processes in a public-private-people partnership. An excellent way to identify and solve the problems facing society, the living lab allows innovators access to real data and the ability to test proposed solutions in a real-world setting. The smart specialization areas for which we develop the living lab infrastructure are Industry 4.0 and E-health.

Digital competences

Through training, coaching and e-learning programs, we accelerate the rate of adoption of advanced digital skills among SMEs in the Central Region of Romania. In addition to educational programs, a special contribution is the package of modular microservices for the digitalization of companies - FIT Digital Booster. Through modularity and replicability, microservices can be adapted to all industries. The first initiatives in this direction are addressed to SMEs in the fields of Health and HORECA.

Access to investments and financing

Innovation, good ideas and steps forward need resources. Therefore, the FIT Digital Innovation Hub provides support for companies, especially SMEs and start-ups, through services such as: access to financial institutions and investors, supporting the use of InvestEU and other relevant financing mechanisms. As a pilot initiative, we are developing a disruptive start-up identification service to be introduced in an extensive mentoring, acceleration and funding process. In support of SMEs, we are preparing a simplified digital application methodology for public funding.

The DIH’s partners aim to capitalize on existing skills in digital technologies (such as AI, Big Data, AR / VR, robotics, IoT) but also in the emerging ones (Blockchain, 5G, CPS, HPC, cybersecurity) in order to meet the needs of 4 key application areas: 1. Smart cities & digital administration; 2. Industry 4.0 and digitalization industry; 3. E-health and 4. Tourism 4.0.

By implementing good practices regarding the management of Digital Innovation Centers transferred through the participation of the FIT team in the technical assistance projects Smart Factories in New EU Member States and DIHELP, but also by implementing the conclusions drawn from the pilot project dedicated to DIHs - DigitaliseSME, we aim to sustainably develop a series of value chains of digital transformation at the level of the region involving the centers of competence, consultants and designers, technology suppliers and integrators, innovators and startups, beneficiaries and users.

Expertise in digital technologies with which Futures of Innovation and Technology Digital Innovation Hub will operate is owned on the one hand by the University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology "George Emil Palade" in Targu Mures, and on the other hand by the Cluster for Innovation and Technology, among its members are Transilvania University of Brasov and more than 40 technology companies active in the Central Region.

The Futures of Innovation and Technology Digital Innovation Hub is taking part, either directly or through founding partners, of a series of European DIH networks, such as: AgROBOfood, DIH World, DigitaliseSME or DIHNET.eu. Digital technologies.

Future Technologies Digital Innovation Hub (FTDIH) was established as a not-for-profit organization to achieve a common goal and synergy effect, combining the high competencies and expertise of Visorių DIH and AgriFood Lithuania DIH members in various market verticals, mobilizing technical, social and financial capital.

Objectives of establishing FTDIH:

To accumulate cross-sectoral and interdisciplinary knowledge in one system;
Strengthen the R&D&I infrastructure by combining hardware and software;
Diversify services to cover more sectors of the economy;
Grow the ecosystem by involving more participants and partners;
Expand the geography of activities, strengthening international cooperation.

FTDIH is a multifaceted entity providing a wide range of services, bringing together digital technology solution makers and developers to provide their services and products to operators in a variety of fields: agriculture, food, photonics, laser and optical technology, aerospace, engineering, medicine, energy, publishing, science and other fields.

The mission of FTDIH is to promote the digitization of the Lithuanian economy by combining cross-sectoral and interdisciplinary knowledge, to find and offer the most suitable digital solutions and its implementation methods.

The vision of FTDIH is to become a strong cross-sectoral DIH in North-Eastern Europe, promoting the digitization of the economy, combining cross-sectoral and interdisciplinary knowledge, finding and proposing the most appropriate solutions and their implementations.

  Digital technologies.

Future Position X is a Non-profit Network Organization founded in 2006 when regional actor (Gävle Municpality, Region of Gävleborg and The Swedish land Survey authority) and local enterpricers like Esri, Sandvik, Goematikk, gathered in an initiative, with the mission to take position as a well established Geospatial Information Cluster.
Today, Future Position X is a Policy-driven Gold Label Cluster, a Vinnväxt Initiative and member of iHubs Sweden and a evolving Digital Innovation Hub. Future Position X also manage Gävle Innovation Arena, a platform for SME´s and enterprices that provide tools for digital innovation. 

We focus on Health and Well-being in the Smart, Sustainable, Viable City and Community,  connecting our actions to Agenda 2030 (The Global Goals for Sustainable Development).

We are a key stakeholder in empowering SME and society for a sustainable growth in the Region of Gävleborg and beyond.

We help companies:

Understand the digital context in which they work
Investigate future customer requirements
Set new goals
Develop road maps for meeting those goals
Receive the support and guidance they need                                                                                                  All this in connection to the digital transformation facing SME´s and enterprices.
Digital technologies.

We are Future Cities Catapult. Our mission is to advance urban innovation, to grow UK companies, to make cities better.
We bring together businesses, universities and city leaders so that they can work with each other to solve the problems that cities face.From our Urban Innovation Centre in London, we provide world-class facilities and expertise to support the development of new products and services, as well as opportunities to collaborate with others, test ideas and develop business models.

We help innovators turn ingenious ideas into working prototypes that can be tested in real urban settings. Then, once they’re proven, we help spread them to cities across the world to improve quality of life, strengthen economies and protect the environment. Digital technologies.

The department “Robot and Assistive Systems” is concerned with the development of robot systems and automation solutions for industry and also for the services sector. The department develops and implements key technologies in innovative industrial robots, service robots and intelligent machines.

With 40 years of experience in robotics and automation, multi-disciplinary teams, an unparalleled network, a wealth of expertise and superbly-equipped laboratories and workshops, we are able to offer a wide range of services in robot technology and application:

System design
Feasibility studies
Simulation of robot systems and components
Material flow simulation
Prototype development
Drafting of requirements and technical specifications
Measurement of robots and systems
Optimization of existing systems
Digital technologies.

The Future Work Lab is an innovation lab for work, people and technology, located in Stuttgart as an active and widely recognized competence center. Furthermore, Future Work Lab functions as an interactive show room and idea center for sustainable human-centered workplace design in the fields of manufacturing, research and development. Future Work Lab is based on pilot-run and applicable solutions for digitization and automation (Industry 4.0) to actively shape industrial work of the future in Germany and Europe, relying on close collaboration with (inter-) national partners and related institutions. Digital technologies.

The Frankfurt School Blockchain Center (FSBC) at the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management gGmbH (FS) is a think tank, and research center which investigates implications of blockchain technology for start-ups/SMEs as well as companies and their business models. Amongst others, FSBC's competences and digital innovation activities are the following:

Research on blockchain: FSBC analyzes current developments with respect to blockchain technology and investigates the economic implications for companies and their stakeholders and as a Digital Innovation Hub (DIH) also provides new research impulses. Further, FSBC assesses the interconnection of blockchain technology to other innovative technologies, such as Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Education and trainings: FSBC serves as a regional Digital Innovation Hub for managers, start-ups/SMEs, researchers, technology and industry experts to provide eductation and share knowledge and best practices. As part of one of the best-ranked European business schools, the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, education is provided to students, but also for companies, researchers and other interested parties. Recently, FSBC has developed an online video learning platform, Blockchain Academy, for young people, entrepreneurs and young professionals to built knowledge about blockchain technology and crypto assets.
Community, events and networking: FSBC hosts various events on a regular basis for participants across all knowledge levels, such as the Crypto Assets Conference (CAC), one of the landmark crypto and blockchain conferences in Germany. Besides, FSBC is part of various blockchain associations and crypto think tanks, such as the German Blockchain Association (Bundesblock), the European Union Blockchain Observatory and INATBA.
Consulting, prototypes and incubation: FSBC is supporting and cooperating with startups on
blockchain- and DLT-related topics. Amongst others, FSBC develops DLT-based prototypes, e.g., in the field of mobility and finance (see section "service examples"). Thus, FSBC has already experience in testing blockchain/DLT applications and evaluating various DLT use cases across different industries. Furthermore, FSBC is attending numerous meetups across the globe and connected with many startups and major industry players.

 

Due to Frankfurt School's status as (one of Europe's best-ranked) a private university, FSBC acts as an academic institution under the non-profit regime. The Hub focuses on blockchain-based initiatives for digitising various industrial settings such as banking, mobility, “Industrie 4.0” and the energy sector. Further, FSBC aims to support start-ups and SMEs with blockchain-based IT expertise. 

FSBC is headed by Prof. Dr. Philipp Sandner. The expertise of Prof. Sandner in particular includes blockchain technology and its application in various industries but also concerns digitization, entrepreneurship and innovation management. Further, his core topics are corporate entrepreneurship, digital transformation, fintech startups and intellectual property rights. He was awarded with several scholarships and research prizes:

“Top 30” in the economists ranking of the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ)
 "Top 40 under 40"; ranking of the German business magazine Capital

Prof. Sandner has published in international peer-reviewed journals such as Research Policy, the Journal of Marketing Research and the Journal of Business Venturing. Prof. Sandner is also working group member of the EU Blockchain Observatory and Forum and of the FinTechRat (FinTech Council) of the German Federal Ministry of Finance.  Digital technologies.

The Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas (FORTH), established in 1983, is one of the largest research centres in Greece with well - organized facilities and highly qualified personnel and consists of seven Research Institutes located throughout Greece: Heraklion, Rethymnon, Patras and Ioannina. The Foundation's headquarters are located in Heraklion, Crete. The research and technological directions of FORTH cover major areas of scientific, social, and economic interest, such as: Computer Sciences, Molecular Biology, Lasers, Telecommunications, Medical Engineering, Microelectronics, Robotics, Biotechnology, Materials, Chemical and Biological Engineering, Applied and Computational Mathematics, Biomedical Technologies, Bioinformatics as well as Historical and Cultural Studies. Over the years, FORTH has become one of the top European research centers, thanks to its high impact research results and its valuable socioeconomic contribution. 

PRAXI Network is the leading technology transfer and innovation support organization in Greece, bringing together 30 years of unique know-how in assisting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and research organisations throughout the country. It’s mission is to make Greek enterprises and research organisations more competitive via the linkage between research and industry, the promotion of innovation and entrepreneurship as well as the transnational cooperation. In particular, PRAXI Network:

Functions as an administrative unit of the Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH), the largest and most well organized, equipped and staffed research center in the country, with research successes that render it among the top in Europe.
Employs more than 30 executives with high academic backgrounds and professional experience within industrial, research and consulting fields
Has presence in 5 cities in the country: Athens, Thessaloniki, Heraklion, Volos, Patras.

SMEs which consider themselves innovative, dynamic and extrovert or start-ups which claim their share at the international market, turn to PRAXI Network for support. Depending on the request, the challenge varies: from mediation to find business or technology partners, to advisory support for identifying suitable funding tools and consulting regarding intellectual property management, licensing or spin-offs.

PRAXI Network started out in 1991 by the need to link industry with academia and was evolved to one of the major innovation and technology transfer support organizations at European level. Being the Technology Transfer Office of FORTH, it provides support to researchers regarding the commercial exploitation of research results and infrastructures. In this framework, PRAXI Network supports researchers to identify and assess the potential for innovation and further exploitation of their research results and infrastructures, advises on intellectual property rights and management issues and helps them to find funding through European and national programs, as well as industry partners to develop their ideas and acquire further technological readiness. It also evaluates mature cases of technology findings, helps networking with prospective investors or users, assists research teams to shape their presentation portfolio, prepares them for contacts with investment schemes and supports during the negotiations. PRAXI Network is also official member of the European Technology Transfer Offices (TTO) Circle, the Network of TTOs from the largest research organisations in Europe.

PRAXI Network is member of the Enterprise Europe Network, the largest network of integrated business support to SMEs, and coordinator of the Enterprise Europe Network – Hellas. In parallel, PRAXI Network acts as National Contact Point for the Framework Programmes for Research and Technological Development and currently Horizon 2020.

Additionally, PRAXI Network has significant experience in supporting international R&D cooperation, both within and outside Europe, mainly in China and South Africa. In this context, it functions as the coordinator of the European node of ASEM – Cooperation Centre for Science, Technology and Innovation - CCSTI.

Finally, the PRAXI Network operates a Foresight Unit to systematically investigate future trends and promote innovative thinking and creativity for businesses, organizations and research institutions that strengthen their strategic position.

Taking advantage of its long experience, know-how and networking, it has consistently contributed to the design and implementation of national and regional policies, initiatives, mechanisms and tools which develop, support and finance innovation. Businesses, organizations and research institutions that strengthen the strategy position.

As a living and evolving organization, it systematically invests in staff training, development of new skills and usage of new tools. It evolved alongside SMEs needs and enriches its services, responding to the demands of modern entrepreneurship.

In annual basis, PRAXI Netork:

Mediates for the conclusion of 15-20 business, technology and research collaborations at international level.
Provides high added-value innovation support services to more than 350 companies.
Organizes or participates in more than 20 international technology transfer and business cooperation events, in which on average more than 100 participants engage in 300 bilateral meetings.

Counting three decades of continuous presence in the Greek business and research scene, PRAXI Network has contributed decisively to:

the conclusion of more than 500 business and technological cooperation agreements between Greek and foreign companies and organizations
the support of hundreds of Greek businesses and research laboratories during the preparation and submission of proposals for research and innovation programs of the European Commission as part of its role as National Contact Point
the establishment of 6 spin-off companies from Universities and Research Institutions in the country
the creation and operation of knowledge intensive clusters in various technological fields (Hellenic Bio Cluster, Hellenic Photonics Cluster, Innovation Greece).
Digital technologies.

The spearhead cluster agri-food focuses mainly on the economic growth of the Flemish food industry. Flanders’ FOOD will thereby mainly act as an enabler for innovation, and an integrator to create a trust zone of open innovation with all stakeholders in the agri-food business complex. The three economic drivers for growth are: (1) increasing local and international competitiveness, (2) focus on new business opportunities through system integration and (3) take up the social and societal responsibilities. To provide an answer to these three economic drivers, four strategic objectives are defined (Lead in knowledge, Lead to knowledge, Accelerate efficient & effective innovation and Create/cross value chains). They should increase knowledge and broaden the horizons of companies on one hand, and on the other enable them to validate and implement this new knowledge into new products, processes and concepts that drive their economic growth. Flanders’ FOOD is not defining the products, processes and services of the future, but will create enablers for companies to act quicker, better and more efficient in their innovation processes. The knowledge-driven strategic goals focus on three program lines: (1) World Class Food Production, (2) Resilient & Sustainable Agri-food Systems and (3) Personalized Food Products & Healthy Diets. A number of activities contribute to the realization of the strategic goals, such as: Development of dedicated roadmaps, creation of a (virtual) inspiration center, education of the target group, distribution of information beyond the target group, establishment of a scientific and technological advisory network, enable access to pilot infrastructure, support in workplace innovation, support in research implementation, guidance towards co-creation and co-development Flanders’ FOOD, in collaboration with the Institute for agricultural and fisheries research (ILVO), has set up a Food Pilot, this is a pilot plant filled with industrial process lines on a pilot scale, accessible to food companies for testing. Pilot tests on a semi-industrial scale allow companies to try out new concepts, processes and products. The past 5 years, the Food Pilot has become an important service provider with an integrated approach to collaborate with companies. Companies from various sectors found their way to the Food Pilot. (Website: http://www.foodpilot.be/en/) Flanders’ FOOD counts 310 member companies in 2017, spread over the ecosystem of the food industry: about two thirds of the members are companies in food production and ingredient suppliers, the other members are companies in machinery and technology, feed and retail. All cluster members, beingall actors in the triple helix including research and technology organizations (RTO’s), other cluster organizations and innovation actors work together to achieve common goals, as defined in the strategic objectives, but also make sure each partner involved benefits from these collaborations. Different types of stakeholders have different roles in the strategy and are more involved in some strategic domains than others. Flanders’ FOOD is leading partner for a smart specialization platform Agri-food http://s3platform.jrc.ec.europa.eu/smart-electronic-systems To collaborate internationally Flanders’ FOOD is associated partner in several ERANETs (Cofund Facce Surplus, Susfood II and Marine Biotech) and interreg projects. The Food Pilot is European wide interesting for other SMEs. Today several customers from abroad already found their way to the pilot plant. The facilities are open for all EU companies at the same conditions as for Flemish companies. Digital technologies.