European Digital Innovation Hub - Energy in the Built Environment

ongoing

The EDIH-EBE focus is on sectoral coverage on Energy in the built environment, and as such, positions itself with focus and specialism for digitalisation within sector-coupling between Construction, Energy and ICT. Its main objective is to act as a central access point, a “One-stop-hub” in providing range of services with the ultimate goal to support SMEs and mid-caps, and public organisations towards successful digital transformation. The ‘hub’ is based on the strong mobilisation of the excellent competences/expertise and infrastructure/facilities already available in Flanders and starts as highly prepared to implement the proposed services. Customers will be supported with knowledge and expertise in (forward looking) digital technologies, trainings to increase competences in skilled work force, networking/info sessions/matchmaking events for improving awareness and bringing together actors of supply and demand in digital solutions, access investments for cost of equipment and software, and testing and experimenting environment to experience benefits leading to higher productivity, better technical performance, new business models and services. The following are ambitious yet realistic estimated Key Performance Indicators: number of businesses to use services: businesses 2214, including in Test Before Invest Service businesses 162, Support to find Investment over 100 SMEs receiving tailor-made orientation, matchmaking, and coaching to most suitable finance, with over 500 SMEs benefiting from increase in their level of knowledge and skills on advanced digital technologies in the area of energy in the built environment. Given the EDIH-EBE specialization, the support offered and the target market segments’ economic activity, it has a high potential for direct impact on the goals of the European Green Deal in terms of positive environmental effects and contribution to the reduction of carbon emissions, efficient use of resources, higher productivity and improved technical performance and business cases.