The Galicia Smart Specialization Strategy (RIS3) 21-27 has established the framework for addressing the significant challenges of research and innovation in the region for the next decade to consolidate a sustainable development scheme based on innovation. Three main priorities have been identified in the framework of the participatory process for the RIS3 definition, being one of them “Digitization for the new industrial and social model.”

Since this is a multi-fund policy instrument, its implementation involves the use of resources from several sources such as ERDF, own regional funds, public funds from other administrations and also private investment.

Since the actual execution of the activities to be implemented under the RIS3 requires a shorter projection, two Plans will be developed covering the whole programming period fully aligned with the RIS3 and responding to its challenges, priorities, strategic objectives and programs. The first Plan is already in force and establishes the operational lines for deploying specific instruments and actions until 2024, which includes measures to promote higher collaboration between companies and RTOs linked to each value chain to increase the transfer and valorisation of the research and innovation implemented in Galicia. One of these measures, also in the framework of Galicia DIHs Strategy, is the support to develop the framework for public-private partnerships with DIHs as key catalysts for the digitalisation of SMEs.

Szombathely City's vision is to improve the standard of living in the region by focusing on education and R&D, promoting industrial transformation and a green, digital and resilient economy. Continuous support for the automotive industry's transformation and encouraging the advancement of the health industry is capital to reach this vision, leveraging on robotisation, digitalisation, automation, and artificial intelligence.

The city has launched a holistic ecosystem development approach to integrate local actors with national and international competencies, linking them with relevant international actors, facilitating Szombathely's shift towards higher value-added production while expanding its resilience and mitigating the job-cutting effects of mass production. This approach will encourage new production systems to come in and create a favourable environment for health-related production, education and science, building on the existing work culture, natural assets and manufacturing orientation. The key ambition of the strategy is to provide a supportive environment to local businesses and the community in a coordinated way.

Measures addressed: Promoting industrial restructuring; Supporting the growing added value of city-based employers; Production simulation and demonstration centre; Future and Research Park and Center - Szombathely Science Experience Centre; Cooperation with international universities and companies, support for relocation, support for achieving funds.

The policy instrument Smart Specialisation Strategy (RIS3) East Netherlands 2021-2027 is commissioned by the Provinces of Gelderland and Overijssel. A smart specialisation strategy (RIS3) is a substantiated prioritisation for investments in innovation in a particular region. This strategy clarifies the strengths and opportunities for the knowledge economy and innovations within the Region. The RIS3 is a requirement for all European Regions that want to use the European Fund for Regional Development (ERDF) in 2021-2027.
The RIS3 focuses on the following three strengths of East Netherlands:

- Manufacturing and Materialtech
- Prevention and Medtech
- Sustainability and FoodTech.

The transition of digitalisation and robotisation is one of the subcategories under strength Manufacturing and Materialtech. Through Smart Industry, processes and business models of the manufacturing industry will change, and there are opportunities for more sustainable and efficient use of materials. Through digitalisation, e.g., placing sensors, applying the Internet of Things and automation of processes, new opportunities arise to maintain the competitive advantage of the manufacturing industry in the Netherlands as well.

The regional digital compass has been drafted to support growth and employment on the digital sector, twin transition and overall development of the region, including the future development of DIHs. The compass builds focus and capacity to the region’s future and enhances the regional development missions and the S3 spearheads. The policy instrument aims to create better cooperation in the governance of the regional digital transition. Additionally, the support of JRC in the preparatory process has enhanced the synergy to the European equivalent strategy. Thus, the regional digital compass builds regional awareness of the objectives of the EU’s digital decade and prepares the innovation ecosystem for future development and cooperation in digitalisation. The regional digital compass has been drafted in accordance with the European focus points: secure and sustainable digital infrastructures, skills, digital transformation of businesses and the digitalisation of public services. To emphasise growth and employment, the digital transformation of the business sector will be underlined in future development. The next steps of the delivery process include looking for impact assessment and best European practices in digitalisation to support the implementation, evaluation and monitoring of the digital compass- policy instrument and the general support it can offer to the regional DIH- framework and ecosystem development.

On 21/02/2022, the Region approved the Regional Council Resolution (DGR) No. 228, establishing the creation of a coordination network for the governance of digital innovation (Digital Innovation Hub Emilia-Romagna – DIHER). A "shared space" and "joint laboratory" that supports the development of digital innovation in Emilia-Romagna through a systematic approach in which to bring together the initiatives, including those already in place, in order to enhance their valorisation. ART-ER supports the Region in the activities.
ERDF RP 21-27 foresees an action to support the regional network of digital innovation hubs also in connection with the development of the DIHER conceived as a widespread place for digital innovation in the fundamental sectors of the development of society and the data economy.

West Regional Operational Programme 2021-2027 (West ROP 2021-2027) has a total allocation of: 1.178,9 MEUR (draft allocation, West ROP 2021-2027 is still in negotiation with EC). Starting with the 2021-2027 programming period, at the level of the eight development regions of Romania, the Agencies for Regional Development fulfil the function of Managing Authorities for the Regional Operational Programs. This implies whole design processes and elaboration of calls at the regional level, including evaluation, policy impact evaluation etc.

The new Regional Operational Program 2021-2027 - West Region is relevant for the EDIH activity because it provides the funding for digitalisation projects or technological renewal for companies, including some digitalisation activities. The funds are going to target RIS3 areas. They will fall under the objective "A Smarter Europe" (an innovative and smart economic transformation) - at least 25% of the overall regional budget, which is estimated at 1,1 billion Euros.

Calls already have been a prototype. They cover and support funding for digital instruments: technology adoption for micro-sized companies, green technology adoption by innovative SMEs, equipment for start-ups, business support infrastructures, SMEs digitalisation and public services digitalisation.