Objective

The aim of EDIH is green and digital transformation. It aims to achieve this by providing a one-stop shop for digital transformation, building a local and European user-provider ecosystem, providing access to advanced testing facilities and promoting the adoption of digital technologies such as AI, IoT and robotics.
The project leverages the expertise and extensive experience of organizations and experts in the Karlsruhe region and the state of Baden-Württemberg in the fields of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity and aims to provide services for various application areas:

•     Manufacturing (AI Engineering)
•     Transportation (Future Mobility)
•     Energy (zero emissions)
•     Trade and services (sustainable supply chains/business models)
•     Government and local authorities (innovation processes and digital citizen engagement)

The project aims to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and public institutions in their green and digital transformation by providing

•     Experimental labs and pre-investment testing workshops.
•     Training programs for skills acquisition and development.
•     Access to additional investment and public funding programs.
•     Networking opportunities to foster a robust innovation ecosystem and facilitate adoption.

Procedure

Under the coordination of the Digital Innovation Centre (DIZ) and with core partners leading specialized activities in five key sectors - manufacturing, energy, mobility, trade/services and public sector, the EDIH AICS aims to revolutionize digital transformation. Our strategy comprises four main pillars of action: "Test before you invest", "Skills and training", "Support in finding investment" and "Innovation ecosystem and networking". These pillars are designed to promote digital skills, facilitate the introduction of innovative technologies, improve the quality of digital services and intensify networking between stakeholders.
Using existing infrastructures such as living labs and test fields, we offer customized services that cover the entire innovation chain, address specific customer needs and encourage hands-on experimentation. EDIH AICS is not just a project, but a movement to strengthen Europe's digital future, ensuring that SMEs, start-ups and public institutions are at the forefront of the digital age.

1. strategic areas of action:

a. Test first, then invest:

•     Kickstart consulting and presentation of use cases.
•     Conduct field tests using existing experimental facilities such as Living Labs.
•     Access to testing and experimentation areas such as SDIL, SDSC-BW, FZI and others.

b. Skills and training:

•     Comprehensive support for the development of digital skills from school to vocational training.
•     Offering study programs, continuing education and collaborative learning opportunities.

c. Support in the search for investment:

•     Support in the search for public funding programs and contacts with venture capitalists.
•     Facilitating access to a database of financial support opportunities for digitization projects.

d. Innovation ecosystem and networking:

•     Networking stakeholders to shape the digital transformation at local, national and European level.
•     Organization of matchmaking activities, events and active stakeholder management.
•     Conducting technology scouting to identify relevant market and technology trends.

2. implementation of the strategic action areas

To implement the strategic objectives of the project, a three-stage approach is envisaged to extend the impact and services at local, national and European level. Here is a clear and structured summary suitable for marketing materials:
a. Phase 1: Establishment and visibility

•     Intensify regional partnerships: Strengthen trust between regional partners to consolidate challenges, solutions and actions into a comprehensive service portfolio.
•     Develop a service portfolio: Leverage core competencies to define a tailored service catalog for SMEs and PSOs to foster local innovation and achieve greater outreach.

b. Phase 2: National expansion and regional connectivity

•    National and selective regional expansion: promoting services at national level and in regions with existing collaboration, taking a proactive approach to build resilient       contacts.
•    One-stop-shop for digital transformation: Positioning as a one-stop-shop for AI and CS inquiries, attracting new customers and supporting sustainable development.

c. Phase 3: European networking and cooperation

•     Strengthening European relations: Work with European partners, especially other EDIHs, to promote "co-opetition" and develop new structures for cooperation.
•     Expand services and networks: Focus on matchmaking, joint workshops and complementary services in production and trade to improve market and technology access for SMEs.

Project duration

•     01.01.2023 - 31.01.2026

Project consortium

Research partners:

•     FZI
•     Steinbeis Europe Center
•     Fraunhofer IOSB
•     ZSW (Center for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Württemberg)
•     Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
•     Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences (HKA)

Application partner:

• DIGITALES INNOVATIONSZENTRUM GMBH (DIZ)

Transfer partner:

• Cyberforum
• TechnologieRegion Karlsruhe GmbH

Employees

•  Prof. Dr. Steffen Kinkel
•  Kartik Tambe