Connecting the dots to unleash the innovation potential for digital transformation of the European agrifood sector

Main research question/goal

The main objective of the SmartAgriHubs project is to consolidate and foster a pan-European network of Digital Innovation Hubs (DIHs) for agriculture to enhance the digital transformation for sustainable farming and food production. This overall aim will be achieved by (1) building a netwerk of Digital Innovation Hubs, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the DIHs, and promoting the expansion of this network, (2) supporting European Innovation Experiments, and (3) providing structural financial support to third parties through open calls.

Research approach

SmartAgriHubs will leverage, strengthen and connect local Digital Innovation Hubs (DIHs), and Competence Centres (CCs) throughout Europe. SmartAgriHubs has already put together a large network of 140 DIHs by building on its existing projects and ecosystems such as Internet of Food and Farm (IoF2020). The current project realizes a digital transformation of the agricultural sector in Europe. All DIHs are aligned with 9 regional clusters, which are led by organizations that are closely related to national or regional digitization initiatives and funds. This multi-layer approach is supported by 28 Innovation experiments, including > 75% SME participation, in which ideas, concepts and prototypes are further developed and introduced into the market.

Relevance/Valorisation

SmartAgriHubs will increase the competitiveness and sustainability of Europe’s agri-food sector. It will also become the 4th industrial revolution that will strategically re-orient the digital European agricultural innovation ecosystem towards excellence and success. SmartAgriHubs will unlock the potential of digitization by creating a pan-European network of Digital Innovation Hubs, organizing an inclusive ecosystem around them and fostering them to achieve their full innovation acceleration capacity.

Funding provider(s)
EU Horizon2020