European Digital Innovation Hub – Northwest Automotive Cluster Bulgaria (EDIH-NWACB)

Title: European Digital Innovation Hub – Northwest Automotive Cluster Bulgaria (EDIH-NWACB)

Acronym: EDIH-NWACB

Programme: Research, Innovation and Digitization for Intelligent transformation (2021-2027)

Project Duration: 36 months

LEAD Partner: Automotive Cluster Bulgaria

Project Partners:

  • Chamber of Commerce and Industry - Vratsa
  • Security Smart Systems
  • Institute for Integration, Research and Development and education
  • Cleantech Bulgaria
  • Ruse University “Angel Kanchev”
  • Digital Innovation Hub – Northwest to Automotive Cluster Bulgaria Association

Main objectives: The goal of EDIH-NWACB is to become a trusted partner in the digitalization of the automotive industry at national and European levels by offering diverse services and hosting events. EDIH-NWACB will engage key stakeholders to drive the adoption and improvement of its services, maximizing its impact on the growth of Industry 4.0. To achieve the main objective, the Digital Hub will:

  • build capacity-building infrastructure in high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, advanced digital skills, and best-in-class implementation and use for digital capacity and interoperability;
  • act as an access point to the European network of EDIH, helping the representatives of the target groups with expertise and opportunities to test technologies and services, as well as by creating a network of competences with the other hubs in Bulgaria and Europe;
  • provide specialized innovation services such as pre-investment testing, training and skills development, support for finding investments, networking, and access to innovation ecosystems for the benefit of SMEs and small mid-cap companies;
  • promote collaboration with SMEs from other EU member states and forming international initiatives among various representatives of target groups in Bulgaria and Europe;

Main activities:

  • Test-before-invest Infrastructure and Services
  • Training and capacity building
  • Access to finance
  • Network development
  • Communication and dissemination

Main results:

  • The competitiveness of the Northwest Region has been improved through initiatives focused on advancing digital skills in the automotive sector.
  • Employee qualifications in small and medium-sized enterprises have been enhanced, resulting in increased labor productivity and the creation of new job opportunities.