CFAs: Consolidation of the Network of European Digital Innovation Hubs

The focus of this call is on the consolidation of the network of European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) aiming to cover all regions of the European Union and Associated Countries by strengthening its performance and capacity to meet local, regional, national and European digitalisation needs. With increased experience and capacities, the EDIHs will continue providing the complete set of services of an EDIH, including the necessary infrastructure, focusing primarily on specific geographical areas and covering the digital transformation needs of local SMEs, mid-caps and/or public sector organisations. Considering the transformation potential of AI technologies, these will be a reinforced focus of EDIHs’ operations under this call.

The consolidation of the EDIHs network will be pivotal in supporting the wide deployment and uptake of European AI technologies, solutions and tools and in promoting the adoption of other crucial digital technologies, while upholding Union values and human-centric perspective. Furthermore, the network will harness the potential of green digital technologies, advancing Europe’s collective climate and environmental goals. This approach not only enhances the resilience of Europe’s industry but also boosts its strategic autonomy. With its enhanced presence in countries associated to Digital Europe, the EDIH network will help bridge technology gaps, and support competitiveness and economic convergence.

The estimated available call budget is EUR 79,200,000, with the allocation covering Member States and Associated States for 2025–2027.

Each EDIH will provide services based on a specific focus and expertise, which will support the local private and public sector with their digital transformation with particular focus on support to development, training deployment and uptake of European AI. This specialisation can be strengthened over time and should make use of existing local competencies in this area. The EDIH network is dedicated to promoting and facilitating the digital transformation of SMEs and public services through four types of services: test before invest by providing access to technical expertise and experimentation facilities, in particular to AI-related services; training and skill development through offering training sessions to SMEs and public services for upskilling and reskilling of the workforce, including on the adoption and use of AI technologies; support to identify and facilitate access to potential financing sources to support digital transformation; and fostering an innovation ecosystem and networking opportunities.

Eligible applicants include legal entities, both public and private, established in the EU Member States or countries associated with the Digital Europe Programme. Beneficiaries and affiliated entities must register in the Participant Register before proposal submission and undergo validation by the Central Validation Service.

For more information, visit European Commission.