Join digital SMEs, towns, cities and regions around Europe to an open innovation ecosystem for smart and inclusive digital communities
Launch Event 17 March 2022
During the event, DIGITAL SME discussed with representatives of the European Commission, the Committee of Regionsand networks of Cities and Regions the key principles for SMEs to steer the digital transformation of European communities. Interoperability, market accessibility and the digital divide between urban and rural areas are some of the topics that were examined during the Panel.
A session was entirely dedicated to the most outstanding digital solutions that have been submitted in our digital catalogue, which was presented in the event. SMEs pitched their smart solutions, showcasing the incredible innovation capacity of our European digital champions, as well as to share their vision on how to further enhance the collaboration with Public Authorities.
Manifesto - Sustainable Local Digital Transformation
Digitalisation is giving local governments and their communities a new opportunity to rethink their urban spaces and processes. The European DIGITAL SME Alliance believes that digital SMEs can play a crucial role in this transformation, as they are embedded in the local ecosystem and compliant with European values. This manifesto sets out the key principles to deliver a Sustainable Local Digital Transformation by leveraging the involvement of all community stakeholders.
Call for SME DIGITAL SOLUTIONS for smart cities
A catalogue of “SME digital solutions for smart communities” is available to showcase the SMEs serivices currently deployed at local, national and European level in cities and rural areas.
Would you like to be featured in the catalogue? Join the Focus Group and submit your solution!
Are you a local, regional or national authority wishing to deploy reliable digital solutions in your communitiy? Join the Group and get in contact with local SMEs
Scope
DIGITAL SME is committed to ensure that European digital SMEs are strongly positioned in the European public procurement market having easier access to public tenders and offer their cutting-edge solutions
The Focus Group Smart Communities (FG SC) brings together European SMEs and Public Administrations from local, regional and national level to support an open innovation ecosystem where communities can flourish by the deployment of trustworthy digital services made in Europe
Fair competition & access for SMEs
Creating consensus towards more agile public procurement processes, for digital SMEs propose services and products to cities and communities in a competitive and open market environment.
Unleashing SMEs potential beyond Europe
Supporting interoperability beyond borders and fostering an open digital environment that will allow digital SMEs to unleash their global market potential.
Connecting urban and rural areas
Bridging the digital divide between rural and urban areas, by identifying innovation gaps and allowing European digital SMEs to address those technological shortcomings with their cutting edge services and products.
Creating social value
Guiding national and local Authorities in reshaping the city governance to leverage on the digital innovations developed by the SMEs in the community and boost inclusive growth. All for the enhanced experience of the citizens and their well-being.
B2Cities networking events
Allowing digital SMEs to get in contact with authorities from cities and rural areas, present their innovative solutions and make themselves known outside the community of reference.
Informative meetings
Getting the latest on policies and technological innovations in the smart cities domain, thanks to the involvement of public authorities, policy representatives and Experts.
Funding and networking opportunities at a glance
SMEs deciding to operate in the Smart Communities´ market can benefit from several types of funding, from European to regional ones. This Focus Group will help SMEs to dive into the world of public tenders and to pitch their business directly to the Public Authorities thanks to the matchmaking and B2Cities networking events.
Visibility at European level
Making the voice of European digital SMEs heard, by representing the Group position in events, meetings, and roundtable discussions with European and local authorities.
Eligibility
Who can join?
Digital or digitally-based SMEs.
SMEs innovating and developing novel ICT products and services for the public procurement market, or wishing to expand their business to the smart cities and communities domain, representing the supply side.
Public Authorities, Cities, Regions, Municipalities.
The group is likewise open to national and local Public Authorities all over Europe, representing the demand side, and whishing to boost their community´s inclusive growth through a SMEs-driven open innovation ecosystem.
Interested?
Visit the group page and apply to join the Focus Group Smart Communities!
