Project EDIGI-Bridge
The EDIGI-Bridge project, officially titled „Education Digital Gateway in the Danube Region,“ began on September 1, 2024, and will run until August 31, 2025. The project has a unique purpose: it is specifically approved to lay the groundwork for a larger project proposal. This future proposal will focus on developing a comprehensive suite of educational programs and consultancy services tailored to support digital-focused start-ups within the Danube Region. Through this initiative, EDIGI-Bridge aims to address the critical digital skills and knowledge needed for entrepreneurial success in today’s economy.
Project Priorities and Specific Goals
The project is dedicated to fostering cooperation within the Danube Region, supporting the objectives of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR), with a focus on building a knowledge-based economy, enhancing competitiveness, and promoting digitalization.
Overview of Key Activities and Outputs
1. Needs Analysis
The first phase involves a detailed analysis of the needs and challenges faced by digital entrepreneurs in the region, essential for informing the upcoming project proposal. This stage will gather data and insights through surveys, providing a comprehensive overview of skill gaps and necessary resources. The output will be a Comprehensive Report on the Needs of Digital Start-ups, serving as a foundational document for the next project proposal.
2. Main Project Work Plan
Based on the identified needs, a detailed work plan for the proposed future project will be prepared. This plan will include task allocation, an activity schedule, milestones, outputs, and required resources. Stakeholder feedback will be incorporated to ensure the plan’s quality and relevance. The output will be a finalized project work plan, which will support the development of the main project proposal.
3. Report on Funding Possibilities
The EDIGI-Bridge team will thoroughly research available funding opportunities for the future project proposal, exploring programs such as Horizon Europe, Interreg, and Erasmus+. A roadmap will be developed to outline steps for submitting a funding proposal, including creating a high-quality and competitive consortium.
Project Partners
- University of Economics in Bratislava (EUBA) – main coordinator, responsible for project management and financial oversight, as well as coordinating the work plan and data collection in Slovakia.
- EconoMind – a Slovak non-profit organization focused on behavioral sciences and digital transformation, leading the analysis of funding opportunities and supporting non-academic stakeholder engagement.
- Institute of Modern Technologies Montenegro (IMTM) – an institute based in Montenegro, responsible for leading the needs analysis and data collection in Montenegro.
Importance for Regional Development
By focusing on the needs and resources required to support digital-focused start-ups, EDIGI-Bridge contributes to establishing a robust foundation for the proposed larger project. In the long term, this initiative aims to enhance regional competitiveness, support labor market development, and foster economic stability, ultimately contributing to the Danube Region’s sustainable growth and positioning in the global digital economy.
