The event in Sarajevo represented a favorable framework for continuing the dialogue about digital innovation and sharing the positive experiences of IHLs from different regions, including Romania. Participants had the opportunity to learn about the latest trends in digital innovation and understand the essential aspects of digital transformation.
One of the central points of the program was represented by the debates with representatives of European and local DIHs, which brought to the fore the various perspectives and strategies regarding the initiation of digitization within SMEs. Industrial demonstrations and expert presentations provided concrete examples and valuable information for entrepreneurs.
One of the important moments of the forum was represented by the presentation of the Digital Innovation Zone (DIZ Romania) by the university associate. Dr. Eng. Cătălin Dosoftei. DIZ Romania illustrated several success stories implemented in the north-eastern region of Romania, in the fields of industrial production and health. Univ. Assoc. Dr. Eng. Cătălin Dosoftei emphasized the crucial role of digital hubs in facilitating the digitization process and highlighted the importance of industrial research in the current context of Industry 4.0. DIZ Romania also presented the range of services offered to support companies in their digitization efforts, including digital maturity assessment, awareness creation, ecosystem development, collaborative research, concept validation and prototyping, commercial infrastructure, support for incubators/accelerators, access to financing and investor preparation services.
During the forum, concrete financing and support programs were also presented, which can contribute to achieving the digital objectives of SMEs. The EU4DigtalSME project of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and the #GoDigitalinBiH program of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), supported by the EU, were highlighted as important sources of support for the digital development of enterprises.
Through this forum, the key role of digital innovation and innovation hubs in the transformation and development of Bosnian and Herzegovinian SMEs was highlighted. The forum provided a platform for the exchange of experiences and knowledge, promoting collaboration and strengthening the digital ecosystem in the region.
