SmartAgriHubs | Connecting the dots to unleash the innovation potential for digital transformation of the European agri-food sector
The SmartAgriHubs project enables a broad digital transformation of the European farming and food sector. With a €20 million budget co-funded by the European Union, the project aims to build an extensive pan-European network of Digital Innovation Hubs (DIHs). With 140 Digital Innovation Hubs, 9 regional cluster & 28 flagship innovation experiments included in the project, Smartagrihubs has the potential to be a real game changer in the adoption of digital solutions by the farming sector.
Recent initiatives showed the eagerness of the sector to seize the opportunities offered by ICT, network and data–oriented technologies. However, current available applications are still fragmented and mainly used by a small group of early-adopters. SmartAgriHubs will leverage, strengthen and connect local DIHs, and 20 000 Competence Centres (CCs) throughout Europe, bringing out and making available the different skills needed to contribute to the digital transformation of the agricultural sector in Europe.
Key facts at a glance:
- Instrument: Horizon 2020, DT-RUR-12-2-18: ICT Innovation for agriculture
- Contribution of the European Union: €20 million
- Duration: 4 years, 2018-2022
- Consortium: 108 initial partners, possibility to extend through open calls
- 140 digital innovation hubs, 9 regional cluster & 28 flagship innovation experiments
- Strong focus on establishing a sustainable network of DIHs with viable business models and investment funds
EXPECTED RESULTS
• Build a network of Digital Innovation Hubs, covering most regions in Europe and ensuring a broad coverage in terms of technological aspects, business expertise and relevant networks.
• Support a critical mass of dedicated pan-European innovation experiments that bring together technology suppliers and the farming sector, providing financial support to third parties through one or more open calls.
• Ensure the long-term sustainability of the network, including a business plan for the Digital Innovation
Hubs, to attract investors, to address the needs of the farming sector.
• To enable and promote the expansion of the DIHs by including new DIHs/ CCs in the network and through capacity building measures, finally ensuring that DIHs reach their full innovation accelerating potential.