Synergy Days is an ever-expanding network, aiming to connect stakeholders across the entire agri-food chain. This year, we are proud to showcase the work of European Digital Innovation Hubs as key actors in digital innovation. Who are they, and what digital solutions do they offer to the European agri-food sector? We spoke to EDIH ENIRE to learn more about the EDIH, its goals and journey.

 

 

What inspired the creation of your EDIH? 

As early as 2019, we recognized the potential of European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) for growth and development in the Southeast region of Ireland. According to the European Innovation Scorecard, this region is considered a moderate innovator, yet it is home to several leading universities, research centers, and institutes. These institutions are well-positioned to drive innovation and contribute significantly to regional and European advancements in technology and digital transformation.

Our strong, established relationships with many of these partners, along with key regional stakeholders, placed us in a prime position to host a European Digital Innovation Hub. We believed that by leveraging these partnerships, we could enhance the region's digital capabilities and support various sectors in embracing innovation. As a result, in June 2023, we officially launched ENTIRE, the European Digital Innovation Hub for the NUTS 2 region. With ENTIRE, we aim to foster collaboration, drive cutting-edge research, and position our region as a leader in digital transformation across Europe. The hub will play a crucial role in shaping the future of innovation in the Southeast region and beyond.

Can you share some of the key milestones or successes your EDIH has achieved to date?

ENTIRE has now been operating for one year, and during this time, we’ve worked diligently to create services that align with the needs of our region and ensure their successful delivery. So far, we’ve achieved several milestones. One notable success is the launch of our "Digital State of Play for Your Region" service. This initiative, undertaken by several public sector organisations (PSOs), has provided valuable clarity and insight into the specific needs of their local areas.

Another significant achievement is our collaboration with a number of European Digital Innovation Hubs, along with key stakeholders to host the Synergy Days event. This annual event has become a key fixture in the calendar, bringing together stakeholders, policymakers, SMEs, and PSOs in the agri-food sector. It serves as an important platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and fostering collaboration across the region and Europe. These successes mark just the beginning of ENTIRE's impact in driving innovation and supporting regional growth.

What innovative technologies or methods are you most excited about within your EDIH? 

In Ireland, the legal agreement with European Digital Innovation Hubs prevents us from creating intellectual property. However, we use our expertise to provide companies with technical analysis, requirements visibility, and proof of concept. These are delivered through a structured pathway of services, which have proven highly successful for the businesses we support.

For public sector organisations (PSOs), we’ve developed tailored services such as the Digital Innovation Workshop, Stakeholder Engagement, and the Digital State of Play. The combination of these services is unique to PSOs and has been highly effective. These offerings help PSOs identify their needs, engage with key stakeholders, and assess their digital readiness. So far, these initiatives have shown great success, enhancing innovation and digital transformation in both private and public sectors.

What advice would you give to other innovators looking to make an impact in the agricultural / food sector through digital technologies? 

Engage with your local European Digital Innovation Hub today. Understanding your organisation’s digital capacity is crucial, and as research centres, we can help you identify new opportunities through emerging technologies like AI. Let us support you in leveraging these advancements to drive innovation and growth within your organisation.

What is the added value of Synergy Days for your EDIH? 

 

Synergy Days 2023 marked the first panel discussion featuring European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs), with some hubs having signed contracts while others had not. In 2024, Synergy Days will take it a step further by introducing workshops for EDIHs, allowing them to exchange lessons learned and explore opportunities for collaboration. The event also includes presentations from SMEs and public sector organisations (PSOs) that have benefited from EDIH services.

Looking ahead, we are excited to host Synergy Days 2026 in Ireland. This event will build on the progress made in previous years, further strengthening connections between EDIHs and creating more opportunities for collaboration and innovation. Hosting the event in Ireland will also give us the chance to showcase our region’s advances in digital transformation and foster deeper engagement with stakeholders across Europe.

The future of Synergy Days plays a significant role in connecting EDIHs, fostering collaboration, and supporting the digitisation of various organisations. It provides a vital platform for those receiving our services to share the impact of these efforts, helping drive digital transformation forward. We look forward to welcoming everyone to Ireland for Synergy Days 2026 and continuing this important work.