Mighty EDIH is a European digital innovation hub and a collaborative project that spans several regional borders. Together, Propell, RISE, Dalarna Science Park, Sandbacka Science Park and Compare have supported 100 companies and public sector organisations and collaborated with three times as many in areas such as digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity.
– “It’s great that we’ve been able to support 100 companies and organisations in Gävleborg, Dalarna and Värmland. We can clearly see how interest in understanding and utilising AI is growing, particularly among smaller companies that have not previously dared to test it,” says Stina Jonsson, project manager from RISE and Propell in Hudiksvall.
From statistics to benefits
Behind the figures are a number of concrete initiatives from different parts of the regions. Through workshops, advice, analyses and support in finding funding and networks, the partners have helped companies and public organisations to develop new digital services, strengthen their IT security or streamline various processes with the help of AI.
Anders Grunnig, project manager from Sandbacka Science Park, explains:
– Many people think that AI requires a lot of resources, but it is often a matter of small efforts that make a big difference. Together with regional companies and municipal actors, we have both strengthened knowledge and lowered the thresholds for creating value with new technology.
Cybersecurity boost for businesses
Compare, in collaboration with the cybersecurity company Dizparc Secured, has created and implemented a cybersecurity training programme for small and medium-sized enterprises in Gävleborg and Värmland. A total of 38 companies participated, gaining basic knowledge of cybersecurity, mapping their digital risks and strengthening their protection against cyber threats. The plan within MightyEDIH is to continue with the training programme in Dalarna as well.
AI partnerships and support in systems development
In Gävleborg, Propell has supported the implementation of an AI partnership between the RISE research institute and several municipalities in Region Gävleborg, an initiative that has led to AI solutions being tested in public organisations. Another example is the haulage company Workify, which has received support from a RISE expert in the development of its system via Propell.
– Workify has gained access to expert knowledge that has acted as a sounding board for the development of their system. “It’s not just about technical advice, but about working together to find solutions that enhance both business benefits and sustainability,” says Maria Svensson, project manager at Propell and RISE.
From physical store to e-commerce
In Dalarna, Dalarna Science Park has partnered with Johns Sport, one of Sweden’s most well-stocked sports shops in Mora. Together they have explored how the store can develop its digital business and work more closely with academia.
– We have supported Johns Sport with various forms of workshops, coaching and guided in students from Dalarna University. Among other things, the students have helped them to develop a web shop as a next step in the store’s service to customers. It complements and strengthens the customer experience, and reaches out to those who cannot get to Mora,” says Patricia Eresjö, project manager at Dalarna Science Park.
Cross-regional co-operation
Through Mighty EDIH, it has managed to build a strong network across the regions to help businesses in AI and cybersecurity in the long term.
– Those who take advantage of our services sign the de minimis, and then get to work on various transitions they want to make. We can help measure digital maturity, provide advice of various kinds, find funding and networks to meet different needs that organisations and businesses face,” says Stina Jonsson.
– Collaboration is key. We take a lot of inspiration from each other within the project. If a project partner does something good in Dalarna, we copy it to Gävleborg and Värmland and vice versa so that more companies and organisations can take advantage of all our offers,” concludes Stina.
Do you want your business to grow with the help of AI? Or strengthen cybersecurity?
Get in touch with Marcus Olsson, Innovation Manager at the Compare Foundation!
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The article is written within the framework of the collaborative project Mighty EDIH, which supports SMEs and the public sector to develop in digitalisation, specifically in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and high-performance computing. Mighty EDIH is coordinated by RISE and run by Propell, Sandbacka Science Park, Compare, Dalarna Science Park with funding from:
