Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming a key driving force for technological progress, competitiveness and sustainable development in all sectors – from industry and health, to education and public administration. Recognising its potential, the European Union is developing a comprehensive AI Innovation System It connects research, entrepreneurship and the public interest through coordinated policies, investments and infrastructures.
The goal is to create a European innovation ecosystem based on trust, ethics and excellence, where companies, startups, researchers and institutions will have access to the latest technologies, knowledge, data and partnerships. The key elements of this system are already in place – and one of them is: European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs), such as EDIH Adria.
As a regional centre of digital support, EDIH Adria enables local users to enter the European AI ecosystem, providing them with concrete testing, education, consulting and networking services with top partners in the EU. Our goal is to ensure that the potential of artificial intelligence becomes accessible, understandable and applicable to all stakeholders of the digital transformation in Croatia and beyond.
Components of the European AI Innovation System
The European AI Innovation System comprises a number of interrelated elements that together enable faster development and deployment of AI technologies:
- AI Research Centres of Excellence: bring together the best European researchers and institutions for the development of advanced AI technologies, with funding through Horizon Europe.
- AI-on-demand platform: a centralised online platform providing access to tools, services, data, knowledge and experiments in the field of AI.
- Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH): regional support points to help SMEs and public authorities deploy advanced digital solutions, including AI.
- Test and Experimental Objects (TEFs): infrastructures for testing AI solutions in real-life conditions (e.g. health, agriculture, manufacturing, smart communities).
- European data spaces: initiatives to share data within specific sectors while respecting EU privacy rules.
- Standards and interoperability: the development of technical and organisational standards that enable the safe and efficient use of AI technologies.
- Ethical framework and trust: promoting development Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence It is transparent, accountable and in line with EU fundamental rights.
Role of EDIH Adria in the AI ecosystem
As part of the European network of EDIHs, EDIH Adria acts as Focal point and catalyst for AI applications in Croatia and the region. Our mission includes:
- Test Before Invest (Test Before Invest): We enable companies to try AI solutions before commercial application.
- Knowledge transfer and education: we offer workshops, trainings and mentoring in order to familiarize users with the potential and practical application of AI technologies.
- Connecting with research institutions and AI experts in the EU: we facilitate access to European resources and partnerships.
- Support in digital transformation using AI, taking into account ethical guidelines and principles of responsible use.
Looking to the future
The EU continues to develop policies, initiatives and investments to AI in Europe was competitive but also people-centred. EDIH Adria continues to follow the latest European guidelines and actively communicates them to users on the ground - SMEs, startups, public administration and educational institutions.
For more information on the EU policy supporting innovation in the AI field, visit:
⁇ Support for the AI innovation ecosystem in Europe
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