Behind the scenes, Enterprise Ireland supports this progress through programmes like the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) and the European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH).
From accessing funding to navigating EU laws, the EEN and EDIH open doors for small- and medium-sized enterprises and public bodies, wherever they are on their digital journey.
The EEN operates in more than 60 countries, connecting over 600 partner organisations. It’s the world’s largest business support network.
Coordinated nationally by Enterprise Ireland and delivered in partnership with Dublin and Cork Chambers and the Local Enterprise Office Hub (led by Donegal LEO), the EEN aims to support SMEs and public bodies through its advisory services, partner matching and the access is gives to European programmes.
The EDIHs allow companies to trial, test and integrate emerging technologies
Financial guidance is key for any organisation looking to get ahead. The EEN helps companies access the right funds, whether that’s through European programmes such as Horizon Europe and Digital Europe, or Enterprise Ireland vouchers and LEO grants.
Working with the EEN and funded under the Digital Europe Programme, four EDIHs across Ireland provide hands-on training and tools to empower SMEs and public bodies.
Based in Dublin, CeADAR specialises in AI; Data2Sustain in Sligo focuses on data-driven sustainability; FactoryXChange in Westmeath specialises in smart manufacturing; while ENTIRE in Cork is dedicated to advanced connectivity and the Internet of Things.
The EDIHs allow companies to trial, test and integrate emerging technologies into their operations.
They also work to support national and EU strategies and targets, including the EU’s digital decade goal which aims to equip more than 90pc of SMEs with basic digital skills by 2030.
Last month, the EEN and CeADAR hosted an event in Dublin to help businesses and public organisations progress their AI and digitalisation journeys.
Attendees at the ‘Accelerating Growth Through AI Adoption’ event were told how to access European opportunities and explored the extensive support on offer from the EEN and EDHIs, including CeADAR’s digital maturity assessment, which allows businesses pinpoint relevant help.
Several CeADAR representatives gave updates on the latest courses and events, while business owners told how the innovation and research centre has helped them progress by unlocking the power of AI. The event also included panel discussions on accessing funding and ways to scale your business.
The audience left feeling energised and optimistic about the future. With Ireland set to take over the EU presidency in 2026, even greater opportunities lie ahead as we showcase our innovative SME ecosystem, collaborative culture and commitment to digital growth on a European stage.
To learn how the EEN and EDIHs can help jumpstart your digital journey, or how to take your AI understanding to another level, visit een-ireland.ie and enterprise-ireland.com/en/supports/become-more-innovative/european-digital-innovation-hubs
Laura Clifford is an EDIH senior programme manager with Enterprise Ireland and Patrick Sweeney is the lead national co-ordinator for EEN in Ireland with Enterprise Ireland