Forum on Digital Transformation of Ukraine: Recovery, Development, and New Opportunities for Businesses and Communities
IT ClusterKharkiv, December 9, 2024
Today, Kharkiv became a hub for digital innovation: the city hosted a large-scale Forum on Digital Transformation, which brought together over 300 participants from various regions of Left-Bank Ukraine, including Kharkiv, Poltava, Sumy, Dnipropetrovsk, and Zaporizhzhia regions. Among the guests were leaders of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), community representatives, experts from strategic economic sectors, as well as state and international organizations.
Presentation of Eastern Ukraine EDIH: A New Phase of Regional Digital Development
The key event of the Forum was the presentation of the international project Eastern Ukraine EDIH (European Digital Innovation Hub), implemented with the support of the European Union (grant agreement no. 101191656). Kharkiv IT Cluster serves as the project coordinator, combining efforts with research institutions, technology partners, and local governments. The Forum was held with the support of UNDP and GIZ.
Challenges and Relevance
In the context of post-war recovery, Ukraine requires large-scale innovative solutions. Digital technologies have the potential to fundamentally change approaches to rebuilding economic infrastructure, manufacturing, energy, and agriculture. They can also serve as the foundation for “Smart Cities” that enhance community quality of life and safety.
“Digital solutions will help us implement the ‘Build Back Better’ principle, declared by our European partners,” said Olga Shapoval, Executive Director of Kharkiv IT Cluster.
“Integrating modern technologies will ensure sustainable recovery and accelerate the adaptation of businesses and communities to the European standards of the dual transition (Green and Digital Transition).”
What is Eastern Ukraine EDIH?
Eastern Ukraine EDIH is part of a pan-European network of digital innovation hubs created to support transformational changes in EU countries and partner states. Ukraine joined this initiative in 2023. Following a competitive selection process, six EDIH projects in Ukraine received funding, including Eastern Ukraine EDIH, headquartered in Kharkiv.
Opportunities for Businesses and Communities
Participants in the Eastern Ukraine EDIH project will benefit from:
- Development of digitalization roadmaps for SMEs and communities;
- Reskilling and upskilling programs to address the digital skills gap;
- Expert consulting support for attracting funding (grants, investments);
- Networking and access to an innovative ecosystem that unites IT companies, research institutes, and the public sector;
- Implementation of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, IoT, cybersecurity, AR/VR solutions, digital twins, and industrial robots.
“Eastern Ukraine EDIH will serve as a platform for a qualitative leap in the adoption of digital innovations. We aim to create an environment where businesses and communities can more effectively respond to recovery challenges, modernize production processes, and integrate into the European economy,” emphasized Oleksandr Medovoi, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Kharkiv IT Cluster.
International Expertise for Ukraine’s Recovery
During the Forum, experts from the Fraunhofer Institute for Factory Operation and Automation IFF presented their vision for Ukraine’s digital transformation. European and Ukrainian leaders, moderated by Deutsche Messe Technology Academy and Kharkiv IT Cluster, shared practical experiences in implementing innovative projects at the business, community, and regional levels.
Next Steps
The Forum in Kharkiv demonstrated significant interest in digitalization as a key tool for recovery. Eastern Ukraine EDIH is creating an innovative ecosystem to foster economic growth, generate new jobs, and bring qualitative changes to community life.
Join Eastern Ukraine EDIH — be part of shaping Ukraine’s digital future!
