Deadline: 28-Feb-22
Within scope of broader approach to building a common digital innovation ecosystem, EU4DigitalSME launches a Call for Proposals to support the formation and functionality of three (3) Digital Innovation Hubs (DIHs) in BiH.
The DIHs are expected to drive the digital transformation of SMEs across BiH and build regional innovation ecosystems around them. In addition, DIHs should also be closely linked to the European network of Digital Innovation Hubs to foster technology and knowledge transfer through collaborating in regional or EU research and innovation projects.
Through the Call for Proposal EU4DigitalSME seeks to identify capable partners with promising DIH proposals, outlining their envisioned support for the digitalization of SMEs. Successful applicants will receive technical and financial support for the design and development of fully operational DIHs.
Overall, the DIHs are intended to constitute key elements of a common digital innovation ecosystem in BiH, improving the competitiveness of the local economy by facilitating the uptake of digital technologies in SMEs and fostering technology and knowledge transfer. The supported DIH are expected to be operational by December 2022.
The objective of DIHs is to support SMEs with the uptake of digital and innovative technologies. They are seen as a core mechanism to create a strong, collaborative regional innovation ecosystem through providing access to services, facilities and expertise offered by a wide range of partners. The aim is to ensure that individual SMEs receive the services they need, that targeted sectors get access to innovative, scalable solutions and that stakeholders cooperate with each other at a regional, national and/or pan-European level.
In addition, DIH are expected to provide a public benefit, meaning DIH are expected to contribute to existing local and regional policies and strategies in the areas of digitalization and innovation according to the DIH’s technological capabilities and specialization areas, as well as strengthen the competitiveness of its target users resulting in benefits for the society, improve the employment conditions and activate entrepreneurship, build digital capacity, and contribute to the creation of a regional digital innovation ecosystem.
Benefits
Via this call for proposal EU4DigitalSME will select suitable proposals for the creation of Digital Innovation Hubs in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Successful applicants with selected proposals will receive the following benefits:
- Comprehensive training program on the creation, set-up and management of Digital Innovation Hubs,
- Individual and continuous support on the creation, set up and management of Digital Innovation Hubs (as described in Kalpaka et al. 2020, see footnote),
- A Mentor in form of an already fully operational DIH, to support the mentee in networking with other DIHs, investors, innovative entrepreneurs, potential customers, etc.,
- Coaching on proposal writing, consortia & project management for national and inter-national funding-lines,
- Support in development of up to 5 draft proposal per DIH for national or international funding-lines,
- Facilitation of connections and collaborations with EBRD,
- Exchange with DIHs and other relevant players in the European Union and/or West-ern Balkan, Eastern partnership countries, tailored to the sector/topic of the respective BiH DIH (e.g.: conference, study trip, etc.),
- Financial support for the reimbursement of the costs of setting up structures, pro-cesses and logistics in the Digital Innovation Hubs, service development/provision, staffing, equipment (i.e. facilities, websites, dissemination materials, legal and IPR consultancy services, administrative support), as well as for travel and accommoda-tion costs.
Eligibility Criteria
- They are looking for organizations, such as, but not limited to,
- Research and/or Technology Organizations (RTOs),
- Technology and/or Innovation Centers,
- Science, Technology and/or Innovation Parks,
- Entrepreneurship Support Organizations (Incubators, Accelerators, Investors, etc.),
- Business Support Organizations (Chambers of Commerce, Sectoral Associations, etc.),
- Innovative companies / private Technology Providers, cutting edge technology focused Small and Medium sized enterprises (SMEs),
- Development Agencies and Organizations (Economic, Regional, SME, Industrial and/or Technological Development),
- Technological Development, Research and/or Innovation Foundations/NGOs,
- Universities/faculties and/or university/faculty-based research centers
- Vocational Training Institutes,
- Industrial Clusters, IT-related associations/companies,
- Public or private funding/finance organizations.
- The establishment of a Digital Innovation Hub is a collaborative process that requires a clear understanding and commitment between its members. Therefore, above mentioned organizations, willing to either individually or by forming a consortium, in order to create and operate a DIH in BiH, should:
- Be willing and capable to assume the position of local digital and innovation orchestrators who will work collaboratively with all the other local players (e.g. governments, industry, finance sector, technology actors, academia, and social organizations), for which they must be adequate and recognized by these players.
- Have a high degree of technical and sectoral expertise and understanding on how to apply this expertise (providing services), knowledge and expertise to advise and support SMEs in accessing different opportunities for additional funding, as well as experience in fostering competitive enterprises in their regions.
- Ability to provide the necessary (complementary) expertise and knowledge to establish an effective and well-functioning DIH. Applicants can have complementary digital or non-digital technologies specialization areas.
- Serve the interest of the general public and not (primarily) to support profit-making interests.
- Provide services to SMEs to support their digital transformation and innovation.
- Willing to collaboratively operate the DIH.
For more information, visit https://b2bit.ba/public-call/