On 19^th of November, an online panel discussion titled “European Digital Innovation Hubs: Opportunities for Business and Education” was held within the framework of the 13th International Business Forum “Science – Business – Education.” The event was dedicated to the role of digital innovation ecosystems in economic transformation, competence development, and Ukraine’s integration into the European digital space. The was panel discussion supported by the representatives from FundingBox, Vision Fund Ukraine, ARAGON EDIH (Spain), POLIDIH EDIH (Ukraine) and was broadcasted on CLOTEX EDIH festival.

The event brought together representatives of the academic community, international projects, European innovation hubs, businesses, and organizations working in the field of technological development and sustainable growth.

VIDEO-recording of the panel discussion is available on the YouTube platform on the KNEU channel.

The key topics of the panel discussion included:

1. Cooperation between businesses, universities, and digital hubs in developing digital competencies and shaping innovation-oriented education.
2. The role of European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) in supporting the digital transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises.
3. Technologies of the future: artificial intelligence, automation, quantum solutions, and their impact on business competitiveness.
4. Integration of Ukrainian companies into the European network of digital innovation hubs: opportunities, support instruments, and key challenges.

The participants of the discussion shared practical cases, international experience, and strategies that contribute to digital transformation, innovation-driven development, and the establishment of sustainable partnerships.

The moderator of the panel discussion was Denys Ilnytskyy, Professor of the Department of International Economics at KNEU, Project Manager of WIN2EDIH, Doctor of Economic Sciences, Professor.

Speakers:
• Larysa Antoniuk, Vice-Rector for Research at KNEU, Coordinator of the WIN2EDIH project, Doctor of Economic Sciences, Professor.
• Katarzyna Barnaś, Senior Project Manager, Ecosystem and Services Department, FundingBox (Poland).
• Sergio Mayo Macías, Innovation Programmes Manager, ITA Instituto Tecnológico de Aragón, ARAGON EDIH (Spain).
• Alina Sevastiuk, Marketing and Communications Manager at VisionFund Ukraine, National Representative of the Sustainable Innovation Council.
• Vita Buhaichuk, National Coordinator of the POLIDIH (Polissia Digital Innovation Hub) project.
• Tetiana Maiorova, Professor of the Department of Corporate Finance and Controlling at KNEU, Manager of the WIN2EDIH project.

The participants of the event discussed the role of cooperation between EDIHs, businesses, and the academic community in shaping modern digital competencies that contribute to competitiveness and sustainable development. Particular attention was given to the opportunities that digital innovation hubs offer for the transformation of small and medium-sized businesses in Ukraine.

Representatives of FundingBox and ITA Aragón shared European experience in providing expert support to businesses and outlined directions for future cooperation with Ukrainian partners. The representative of VisionFund Ukraine emphasized the importance of financial support for SMEs in the implementation of digital technologies.

The Ukrainian EDIHs (Win2Edih and POLIDIH) examined the challenges and prospects of integrating national enterprises into the European network of digital innovation hubs.

In conclusion, the participants identified key areas of interaction between EDIHs, businesses, and the scientific community aimed at strengthening digital transformation, fostering innovation, and enhancing digital competencies among specialists.

The organisers express their sincere gratitude to all speakers, participants, and partners for their active involvement and support of the initiative aimed at enhancing the digital capacity of Ukrainian businesses, strengthening cooperation with the European network of Digital Innovation Hubs, and developing modern competencies necessary for successful digital transformation.

We invite participants to share their impressions - feedback form.

The event was held with the support of the WIN-WIN EDIH Project under the “Digital Europe” programme.

Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the European Commission can be held responsible for them. The WIN-WIN EDIH project has received funding from the Digital Europe Programme under grant agreement No. 101191647.