Strengthening Digital Innovation: The Strategic Collaboration Between the Netherlands’ Five EDIHs and Topsector ICT

The Netherlands hosts five regional European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) that work together on a national level. These hubs stimulate innovation and support SMEs in adopting digital technologies, in close collaboration with Topsector ICT. For small and medium-sized enterprises, continuous progress in digitalisation is essential to remain future-proof and competitive. Yet for many smaller companies, identifying the right technologies, finding suitable partners or financing innovation can be challenging. To address this, the European Commission (EC) launched the European Digital Innovation Hubs as part of the Digital Europe Programme, with the aim of providing broad, regionally embedded support to accelerate digital transformation.

Across Europe there are now more than 200 hubs. The Netherlands has five EDIHs, each with its own programme and area of focus:

• EDIH Klikopmorgen (Southern Netherlands)

• EDIH DigitalZH (South Holland)

• EDIH NN (Northern Netherlands)

• EDIH BOOST East NL (Eastern Netherlands)

• EDIH Digital Hub Noordwest (Northwest Netherlands)

These hubs play a crucial role in driving digital innovation and strengthening the Dutch business climate in a rapidly evolving digital world. Each EDIH focuses on specific themes and offers tailored services to support companies in their digital transformation and innovation challenges.

Arthur Leijtens, National Programme Manager for the Dutch EDIHs: “We have spent recent months ensuring the EDIHs are strongly connected, creating a nationally coherent ecosystem that enables more efficient and effective collaboration. Where possible, activities are aligned across regions, and companies are referred between hubs for specialised services. We also share best practices. In this way, we are becoming the central point of contact for digital innovation for SMEs.”

AI adoption varies widely

The EDIHs target two main groups: innovative producing SMEs and innovation-following SMEs. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cybersecurity are key focus areas. According to Leijtens, AI adoption varies significantly. “Some SMEs have already advanced in their use of sophisticated AI applications, while a large group still has little understanding of what AI could mean for them,” he explains.

Raising awareness of digital opportunities is therefore a major task of the EDIHs. They provide clarity on available technologies and organise awareness activities. Last year, a generative AI awareness campaign attracted many SME participants, giving them insight into the possibilities of this emerging technology. “However, making the right choices to improve, for instance, labour productivity often requires a deeper dive,” Leijtens adds. “For example, EDIH Northern Netherlands focuses strongly on applying AI in autonomous systems. Their innovation brokers and experts work closely with entrepreneurs to understand their specific needs.”

Cybersecurity still seen as a cost

Cybersecurity is an enabling technology, not a ‘nice to have’, but essential. Yet too often, entrepreneurs still view it as a cost item. To improve awareness and resilience, the EDIHs offer practical tools and guidance. Last year, the Cybersecurity Roadshow was launched, coordinated by Security Delta (HSD), together with a dedicated landing page providing useful services such as a cybersecurity assessment tool. The page also links to relevant public organisations where companies can seek help. This initiative will continue over the next three years. Additionally, the EDIHs have created an expert database with specialists from commercial providers and knowledge institutions.

Topsector ICT as a strategic partner

Through the innovation broker scheme, SMEs can receive support with specific innovation challenges. Topsector ICT works closely with the EDIHs by matching experts and SMEs with relevant innovation questions to initiate new projects. “Topsector ICT has resources available, and we know what SMEs need. When these worlds come together, we can reinforce each other,” says Leijtens.

From strategy to application

The strategic partnership between Topsector ICT and the EDIHs has been further strengthened by the European Commission’s decision to prioritise two themes across the EDIH network: cybersecurity and AI innovation. “These priorities align directly with the two Action Agendas we are working on as a top sector — the Cybersecurity Technologies Action Agenda and the AI/Data Action Agenda,” says Koops. “It fits perfectly together.” The EDIHs also collaborate closely with regional cyber-resilience centres, NCC-NL, NCSC, the Smart Industry programme and various AI hubs.

Leijtens explains: “It is important to show SMEs that the Netherlands has a wide landscape of initiatives and instruments aimed at the same goal, and that we work together to ensure they can easily find the right entry points. By joining forces — as we do with Topsector ICT, which not only provides resources but also offers strategic and policy expertise and has insight into emerging trends — we significantly strengthen our collective impact.”

According to Leijtens, this collaboration is a two-way street. “By feeding back the experiences and needs of SMEs, Topsector ICT can better tailor its programming and calls to the realities of the market. It’s a dynamic exchange. Together, we move from strategy to practical application.” Koops adds: “Valorisation into the business community is essential — that is exactly why this partnership exists. We ensure that the instruments designed to support innovation truly reach the intended audience. At the same time, we help SMEs gain a clearer overview of what’s available. Our aim is to streamline and bring things together, both nationally and regionally.”

Looking ahead

The EDIHs and Topsector ICT plan to intensify their collaboration in the coming years, particularly in the areas of digitalisation and the practical application of AI and cybersecurity within the SME sector.

Source: Digital Holland (Topsector ICT)

Photo: Istock.com/metamorworks