Enterprise Ireland is supporting this progress behind the scenes through programs such as the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) and the European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH).
From access to finance to EU law regulation, EEN and EDIH open the door for small and medium-sized enterprises and public bodies at every stage of their digital journey.
EEN operates in more than 60 countries and connects more than 600 partner organizations. The world’s largest business support network.
Co-ordinated nationally by Enterprise Ireland and implemented in partnership with the Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Dublin and Cork and the Local Enterprise Office Hub (led by Donegal LEO), EEN aims to support SMEs and public bodies through advisory services, partner matching and access to European programmes.
EDIH allows businesses to try, test, and integrate new technologies.
Financial guidance is key to any organization aiming for success. EEN helps businesses access the right funding through European programs such as Horizon Europe and Digital Europe, as well as Enterprise Ireland vouchers and LEO grants.
In collaboration with EEN and funded under the Digital Europe programme, the four EDIHs across Ireland are delivering practical training and tools to empower small businesses and public bodies.
Based in Dublin, CeADAR specializes in AI. Sligo’s Data2Sustain focuses on data-driven sustainability. FactoryXChange in Westmeath specializes in smart manufacturing. Cork as a whole, on the other hand, specializes in advanced connectivity and the Internet of Things.
EDIH allows companies to try, test, and integrate new technologies into their operations.
We also work to support national and EU strategies and objectives, such as the EU’s Digital Decade, which aims to equip more than 90% of small and medium-sized enterprises with basic digital skills by 2030.
Last month, EEN and CeADAR hosted an event in Dublin to help businesses and public sector organizations advance their AI and digitalization efforts.
Participants at the ‘Accelerating Growth with AI Adoption’ event were explained how to access European opportunities and considered the wide range of support provided by EEN and EDHI, including CeADAR’s Digital Maturity Assessment, which allows companies to pinpoint relevant support.
Several CeADAR representatives presented updates on the latest courses and events, and executives shared how the Center for Innovation and Research has helped their companies advance by unlocking the power of AI. The event also featured a panel discussion on how to access capital and grow your business.
The audience left feeling energized and optimistic about the future. With Ireland set to assume the EU Presidency in 2026, even greater opportunities await as we showcase our innovative SME ecosystem, collaborative culture and commitment to digital growth on the European stage.
Visit een-ireland.ie and enterprise-ireland.com/en/supports/become-more-innovative/european-digital-innovation-hubs to find out how EEN and EDIH can help you jump-start your digital efforts, or take your understanding of AI to another level.
Laura Clifford is Enterprise Ireland’s EDIH Senior Program Manager and Patrick Sweeney is Enterprise Ireland’s Lead National Coordinator for EEN in Ireland.
