EDIH, the Heritage Smart Lab Project kicks off

The activities of the **European Digital Innovation Hub - Heritage SmartLab** commenced in November 2022. This is a European centre fully dedicated to the digital transformation of the cultural heritage sector and the Cultural and Creative Industries, a key area in the Smart Specialisation Strategies of Campania, Basilicata, and Puglia, and will be headquartered in Matera, European Capital of Culture, with two hubs in Naples and Bari.

Heritage SmartLab is one of the 136 European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) selected and funded by the European Commission in the 27 EU countries, aiming to support the digital transition of SMEs and public administrations, particularly focusing on technology domains such as Artificial Intelligence, High-Performance Computing, and Cybersecurity.

The EDIH, located in Napoli Est in Campania, serves the digital transformation of startups, SMEs, and Italian and European public administrations, offering free demonstration and prototyping services, support for access to finance, Academy programs, and advanced training, initiatives for Open Innovation and Acceleration, as well as technology brokerage and matchmaking initiatives between demand and offer of innovation at an international level.

The project is the result of significant entities from our region, including the lead organisation Basilicata Creativa, Sviluppo Basilicata, the DIH Basilicata, the Lucanian Clusters on Aerospace, Energy, Automotive, and for Campania and Puglia the MedITech competence centre, Iniziativa srl and naturally SPICI srl - which also coordinated the drafting of the project proposal.

Users will have 4 ACCESS points to the EDIH through:

• The enhancement of the offer of technologies and services by companies/SMEs and startups, which will participate in the acceleration program Digital Innovation and Acceleration Program;

• Working on the demand for new technologies and digital solutions, to assist companies in need, through participation in the Open Innovation Program;

• Training activities for talents participating in the educational activities of the HSL Talents’ Academy;

• Activities for the national and international creative community, citizens, and the entire innovation ecosystem, through major Annual Events.

The various users/customers interacting with the EDIH will become part of a community of creatives and can undertake a Digital Innovation Journey through various customised services available to them, including Test Before Invest or support for searching for calls and funding.

Find out more about the EDIH project - Heritage Smart Lab