Developing cybersecurity in the digital transition of European outermost regions

ongoing

Very small and small and medium-sized enterprises (VSEs and SMEs) are essential to strengthen European digital transformation and cybersecurity, and this is even more true for the outermost region such as La Réunion which drives innovation as key to future development. RUN EDIH is led by NEXA, a regional development and innovation agency which will host the future cybersecurity resource center of the region (2023), also in charge of implementing the region Smart Specialization Strategy (S3). 5 partners will collaborate, each specialized one of the 4 pillars of EDIH encompassing: test before investing (CLUSIR), training and skills development (CCIR), support to find investments (NEXA) and networking and access to innovation ecosystems (TECHNOPOLE), all articulated around an integrative one-stop-shop (DIGITAL). 15 external partners will reinforce skills/expertise to support target beneficiaries among a total of 63.350 SMEs, 21.250 VSEs and 31 PO in La Reunion. Digitalization and cybersecurity innovation abilities are essential for SMEs to thrive international competitiveness in the future and to meet the EU twin goals of green transition and digital transformation. RUN EDIH aims to reinforcing the critical digital capacities of SMEs as well as public organization (PO) (31); In particular e-health (61 SMEs), sea/maritime (411 SMEs) and aerial sectors (110 SMEs) in terms of cybersecurity, while contributing to Digital Europe Program strategic objectives in implementing a tailor-made digital hub, not only replicable to other EU outermost regions but also contributing to already established EDIH all across EU. This tailor-made consortium will be able to strengthen competitiveness and cybersecurity level while benefiting 150 SMEs with test before investing, to offer trainings to 500 companies and trigger private investments in 90 companies within the next 3 years. RUN EDIH will significantly increase the cybersecurity digital maturity of 150 SMEs and 20 PO in La Réunion.