Zemgale Business Center as a part of European Digital Innovation Hubs network

By project UnicornQuest

Published on 24 January 2025

Latvia

About this good practice

Within the project “EDIC: Support for Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence Development in Latvia/Development of AI – ICT for Manufacturing EDIH in Latvia” (EDIHLV) (project No. 101083983), the Zemgale Business Support Center of the Zemgale Planning Region acts as a contact point for entrepreneurs. It provides consultations on business process digitalization and organizes educational and informative events on digital transformation. EDIC helps evaluate existing business processes and offers recommendations for their improvement using both new and market-existing technologies. EDIC recommends potential technology suppliers, giving businesses, institutions, and organizations the opportunity to initially test the suggested and market-demanded technologies. If necessary, clients can receive consultations from industry experts, ensuring confidence in technological possibilities. EDIC provides entrepreneurs with consultations and develops Digital Development Roadmaps to obtain funding from the EU's “Digital Europe 2021-2027” program and the Recovery Fund under the Latvian Recovery and Resilience Mechanism.

Expert opinion

The Zemgale Business Support Center, as a European Digital Innovation Centre (EDIC) contact point, helps accelerate digital transformation among SMEs in Latvia by providing consultations and technological recommendations. Digital Development Roadmaps guide businesses in improving processes and accessing EU funding, making digitalisation more practical and achievable. This approach offers valuable insights for policymakers developing regional digitalization support frameworks across the EU. Its structured, hands-on model for assisting SMEs is both scalable and transferable. By combining expert consultations, funding guidance and access to technology, the Zemgale model creates a comprehensive support system that can be adapted to other regions. Its success, reflected in the number of applications, roadmaps issued, and projects promoted, highlights how targeted local support can drive broad digital adoption and economic growth.

Mart Veliste

Works at Interreg Europe Policy Learning Platform

Resources needed

The total planned budget for the Zemgale Planning Region as a partner is EUR 121,980.00. This amount includes all project implementation costs, including all applicable taxes (except VAT), personnel costs, all necessary license fees, and all indirectly related costs for meeting project requirements.

Evidence of success

The success of the Zemgale Planning Region as an EDIC contact point is evidenced by the large number of applications from regional companies, currently totaling 176. Additionally, in 2024, 100 roadmaps were issued in our region, and 1,840 projects have been promoted for funding across Latvia.

Potential for learning or transfer

The Zemgale Business Support Center’s practice is valuable for other regions due to its comprehensive digital support for SMEs, which includes evaluating business processes, recommending improvements, and providing access to technology suppliers. It emphasizes education and awareness through informational events, helping businesses overcome resistance to digital adoption. The creation of customized Digital Development Roadmaps ensures tailored and effective digital transformations. The practice also offers consultations with industry experts and assistance in accessing funding, creating an integrated support system. Demonstrated success with measurable outcomes, such as applications received and roadmaps created, highlights its effectiveness. Addressing common challenges like resistance to change, this practice provides a proven model adaptable to various regional contexts, accelerating digital transformation and supporting regional economic growth.