\ Innovazione \ European Commission seal of excellence for IP4FVG

The European Commission has awarded its Seal of Excellence to the IP4FVG-EDIH project presented by the Friuli Venezia Giulia Regional Authority in the context of the “European Digital Innovation Hubs” (EDIHs) 2021–27 initiative. This recognition gives access to national funding from the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy.

IP4FVG is the regional Digital Innovation Hub supported by Argo, the industrial system based on innovation of processes and products to increase local competition, and depends on a partnership (coordinated by the national research body Area Science Park) involving representatives of various areas of interest active in Friuli Venezia Giulia: universities, research, industry and public institutions. There are 21 organisations involved in total, including the Regional Authority as an active partner, specifically managing planning work to identify training needs focused on the digital transformation of businesses and public administrations, and swift updating regarding regional funding opportunities.

“Being a part of the European network,” stated regional councillor for work Alessia Rosolen, “is essential for our area, in order to be competitive internationally and strengthen support for transforming manufacturing processes of regional businesses in a wider context”. The project proposal that received the seal of excellence has a duration of 36 months and a total cost of € 5.5 million. It was formulated by assessing and improving the previous project, already submitted in the context of the 2021 edition of the initiative but not accepted for funding.

Integrating the technological infrastructure and technical expertise of all partners, IP4FVG-EDIH can offer a series of advanced services to promote and support the digital and green transformation of businesses and public administrations in industrial, manufacturing, energy and environment, and agri-biotechnology sectors. To support the digital transformation of businesses, four living labs for technology have been created across the region, coordinated by Area Science Park, where companies can test technological solutions prior to implementing them in their production processes. These living labs, like the other technological infrastructures available from project partners, will offer businesses a point of access to the IP4FVG-EDIH ecosystem, as well as the entire European EDIH network and the network of national research centres.