EDIH-DO

The European Digital Innovation Hub Dortmund (EDIH-DO) supports small and medium-sized enterprises, mid caps, start-ups, technology providers and public institutions in their digital transformation. The aim of the project is to make the use of artificial intelligence and other key digital technologies practical, responsible and economically viable. The hub serves as a regional contact point for organizations that want to identify digital potential, develop concrete use cases and take the first steps towards implementation.

Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts is involved as a project partner with the Institute for the Digital Transformation of Application and Living Domains (IDiAL)(Opens in a new tab) . In particular, IDiAL contributes application-oriented research expertise in the areas of digital transformation, artificial intelligence, data protection, compliance and user-centered technology development.

EDIH-DO pursues a low-threshold and needs-oriented approach. Organizations are supported from the initial orientation phase through the development of concrete ideas to the testing and implementation of digital solutions. The services include digitalization and maturity analyses, information and consulting formats, workshops, training, technology scouting, roadmapping, matchmaking and support with funding and investment issues.

A particular focus is on test-before-invest formats. Companies and public institutions are given the opportunity to test technologies, prototypes and use cases before major investments are made. This includes ideation workshops, AI and digitalization strategies, implementation coaching, MVP development, pilot projects and access to test environments and scientific expertise.

The project results are transferred directly into regional practice. The aim is to increase the digital maturity of the participating organizations, build AI and digitalization skills, validate concrete use cases and enable implementation-oriented pilot projects. In addition, new digital products, services and processes are to be created that contribute to the competitiveness of companies and the modernization of public services.

The transfer takes place via counseling and qualification offers, networking events, best practices, demonstrators, prototypes and implementation projects. Through integration into the European network of European Digital Innovation Hubs, regional players also gain access to further innovation infrastructures, European expertise and cooperation opportunities.