Conecta HUBS - Grants for collaborative R&D&I projects in the strategic areas of the Galician DIH
About this good practice
The Galician Innovation Agency has funded 11 collaborative projects through the Conecta Hubs call. The selected projects must be aligned with the areas of specialization of the two Digital Innovation Hubs DIHGIGAL and DATAlife, thus allowing (E)DIHs progress in their specialization and consolidation within the framework of RIS3 Galicia. In addition, funded projects must be consistent with the specific objectives of the Digital Europe Programme. Projects implementation aim to consolidate the Galician Hubs within the framework of their working areas, in a context of interregional cooperation at European level. The role that both Hubs have played in the projects implementation is as collaborating entities in evaluation and management tasks. The programme consists of two action lines: 1. Industrial research projects, experimental development and innovation in processes. 2. Product innovation projects.
In addition to the alignment with the specialization areas of both hubs, the general call requirements are: projects must be focused on the market and the creation of knowledge, technology and innovation, project consortiums must be between 2 and 6 partners and finally, project have to show demonstrable results through a minimum of 3 indicators.
Although the call is mainly focused on SMEs, large companies will be able to participate in Line 1 of R&D and in innovation projects in process and organization.
Expert opinion
Resources needed
The call for proposals had a budget of €6.8 million, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) within the operational programme ERDF Galicia 2014-2020.
Evidence of success
The call has allowed 11 projects in the field of digitalisation to be financed. In addition, and perhaps the most interesting aspect of the call is that it has allowed Digital Innovation Hubs to establish and strengthen their position within their respective ecosystems. Since then, Datalife has achieved the European Digital Innovation Hub label and reduced its dependence on regional funds for structural costs.
Potential for learning or transfer
Conecta Hub methodology has a great transferability, specially for (E)DIH of new creation which hope to foster their presence in a specific ecosystem. In our case, the Galicia regional government has favoured hubs knowledge and work with entreprises, especially SMEs. This has allow on one side, to get experience to the hubs in project evaluation and implementation and on the other, improve hub reputation and awareness within the innovation ecosystem.