EDIH WallonIA | Accelerating the digital transformation of Walloon companies

Region:

Wallonia

Test, learn and deploy digital technologies with confidence

Digital technologies have become a key driver of competitiveness for manufacturing and construction companies. Yet their adoption is often hindered by a lack of expertise, resources or access to the right infrastructure. EDIH WallonIA supports companies in Wallonia throughout their digital transformation by providing easy access to expert guidance, technology demonstrators, innovation networks and funding opportunities.

Target group

The project primarily targets companies in Wallonia operating in the following sectors:

Manufacturing
Construction
Civil engineering
Industrial technologies
SMEs and mid-caps looking to accelerate their digital transformation

Context

Technologies such as artificial intelligence, data, high-performance computing (HPC) and cybersecurity offer significant opportunities. However, implementing these technologies remains challenging for many companies. SMEs and mid-caps often lack the resources and expertise needed to assess these technologies, validate their relevance or identify suitable funding opportunities.

EDIH WallonIA brings together two regional initiatives, the former EDIH Connect and WalHub, into a single innovation hub. This simplifies access to expertise, demonstration infrastructures, innovation ecosystems and funding solutions. The objective is to reduce the risks associated with digital innovation and accelerate the journey from idea to implementation.

Objectives & results

Over a three-year period, EDIH WallonIA aims to support 600 companies in Wallonia in their digital transformation through a combination of individual support (70%) and collective activities (30%).

The project will help companies to:

Assess their digital maturity and develop a roadmap tailored to their needs
Test digital technologies before investing through the ‘Test before Invest’ approach
Strengthen their teams' digital skills through training and awareness-raising activities
Gain easier access to regional and European funding programmes
Connect with organisations across the digital innovation ecosystem in Wallonia and throughout Europe

Approach

EDIH WallonIA offers structured support built around four complementary services.

1. Assess your needs
Companies begin with a Digital Maturity Assessment to identify their priorities and define a digital transformation roadmap tailored to their ambitions.

2. Test before you invest
Using the infrastructures and demonstrators provided by the project partners, companies can test practical solutions in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics and data management before launching an investment project.

3. Develop your skill
Training courses, workshops, coaching sessions and events help employees strengthen their digital skills and accelerate the adoption of digital technologies.

4. Access the technology and funding ecosystem
The project supports companies in identifying funding opportunities and connects them with technology partners, research centres and the European network of European Digital Innovation Hubs.

Ready to accelerate your digital transformation?

Whether you want to assess your digital maturity, test a technology or identify the right funding opportunities for your project, the EDIH WallonIA experts are here to help.

Contact our expert Thierry Coutelier