On 3 December 2024 EIT Manufacturing South East participated in a milestone event called “FIT EDIH: Digital Transformation and Access to Finance”, held at Sibiu, Romania, organised by the Digital Innovation Hub FIT EDIH and addressed to representatives of SMEs, national authorities and regional agencies, experts, policymakers and technology providers. The conference was an excellent opportunity for EIT Manufacturing to meet and discuss the needs of stakeholders located in the Romanian manufacturing ecosystem. The conference included panels and discussions on topics regarding digitalization in the fields of Smart City, Health and Production and the relevant services offered to Romanian SMEs by the FIT EDIH. Emphasis was given on the complementary services and funding mechanisms offered by EIT Knolwedge and Innovation Communities, such as EIT Manufacturing as well as by national authorities, such as the Regional Developments Agency Centru (ADR Centru). 

Dr Niki Kousi, Managing Director EIT Manufacturing South East, participated in a panel called “The Future of Digitalization” presenting “The importance of digitalization and AI in industry and its impact on production”. During her speech, Dr Kousi highlighted the need of AI uptake by Romanian SMEs as a critical technology transforming sectors all across Europe. She also discussed the support tools that can support this transformation journey for SMEs; the funding opportunities offered on an annual basis and the tailored services offered in supporting the development and digitalization of the processes.  

Furthermore, Dr Kousi emphasized on the complementarity of FIT EDIH with EIT Manufacturing’s services regarding the needs of the Romanian ecosystem in filling the gap between innovative technologies and practical implementation in manufacturing. 

EIT Manufacturing South East participated in this prestigious event, invited by ICEBERG+, both Core member and RIS Hub in Romania of EIT Manufacturing. This event served not only as an exciting opportunity to meet again with our partner but also as a platform to coordinate with ICEBERG+ on how to upscale and connect the Romanian manufacturing ecosystem in the pan-European ecosystem.  

For more information about the event and FIT EDIH’s initiatives, visit the official website.