This document discusses the creation of digital innovation hubs through the I4MS initiative to spread excellence to less developed EU regions. Through open calls, 26 proposals were selected to establish new regional digital innovation hubs focused on areas like HPC, cloud computing, robotics, and IoT. These hubs will provide mentoring and small financial support up to €50k to local SMEs and stakeholders. I4MS will provide mentoring and coaching services to the new hubs on topics like engagement, technology partnerships, use case development, and business planning to help them become self-sustaining.

1. Creating I4MS Digital
Innovation Hubs
Panel Discussion
I4MS Annual Event 23-24 June,
Amsterdam
Govert Gijsbers
XS2I4MS/ TNO
Contact information:
Govert Gijsbers (TNO)
+ 31 646206835
 govert.gijsbers@tno.nl
Maurits Butter (TNO)
+ 31 610939947
 maurits.butter@tno.nl

2. Phase 2 I4MS: Spreading Excellence through
the development of digital innovation hubs
• Ambition: spread I4MS initiative to include a much wider
range of EU regions.
– Focus on less developed regions
• How? Through a network of around 25-30 new regional
digital innovation hubs in new regions
• Hubs will be built around one or more Competence
Centres
– SMEs and other stakeholders as direct beneficiaries
• I4MS to provide mentoring and coaching services to the
new hubs
• Small financial contribution of up to €50k for personnel
and travelling
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3. Open Calls Results
• Two phases:
– Pilot phase: 5 proposal received, 3 selected
– Full phase: 36 proposals received: 23 selected
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4. HPC/Cloud-Based Modelling
Laser
Robotics
IoT/CPS
Overview
selected
proposals

5. Activities of the digital hub projects
• Participate in a kick-off meeting at a summer
school (September 2016)
• Organise regional workshop(s) with potential
interested partners and stakeholders
• Develop up to 3 use cases including the innovation
hub and SMEs
• Identify and assess the potential ecosystem of the
RDMI-hub
• Develop a business plan for the hub
• Project presentation in Brussels
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6. Mentoring and Coaching
• Jointly by relevant IA (in the lead) and XS2I4MS
• Coaching on a range of technological and non-
technological issues:
– How to succesfully engage with the IA and with technology
partners
– How to build a technology-based business?
– How to develop use cases ?
– How to build a scucesful regional consortium?
– Roles and responsibilities of core partners and stakeholders
– Building partnerships through brokerage
– Building a business model for the hub
– Developing a plan to access multiple sources of funding
• Needs-driven approach:
– Summer school, webinars, consultations, advice
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