Building Thriving Digital Ecosystems:
An Opportunity for Regional Governments
What makes the difference?
A thriving digital ecosystem - one where there is:
Digital Access
Existing industries have easy access to what they need to digitalize their business and remain competitive.
Digital Economy Growth
Digital startups flourish with cost-efficient infrastructure, access to customers, relevant challenges, and opportunity to contribute to the local economy.
Sustainable Infrastructure
Digital infrastructure is cost-efficient and sustainable, underpinning both digitalization and the local digital economy.
But what does success actually look like in practice?
In thriving digital ecosystems:
The Five Essential Components of a Digital Ecosystem
From Vision to Reality:
A Roadmap for Regional Leaders
01.
Jump-start Your Digital Marketplace
Map Your Digital Territory: Not everything needs to be digital. Start by identifying where digitalization will create the most value for your region's core industries.
Build Your Challenge Platform: Create a marketplace where local businesses can post their digital challenges and connect with entrepreneurs who can solve them.
02.
Unlock Smart Capital
Infrastructure Investment: Partner with regional banks to create blended finance facilities for local IT providers. This helps build essential digital infrastructure without relying solely on outside providers.
Startup Support: Launch micro-loan programs (€10,000-50,000) for entrepreneurs solving identified local challenges. Remember: equity-free funding keeps wealth in your region.
Growth Capital: Create clear pathways to EU-level funding for your most promising companies.
03.
Build Your Digital Foundation
Strategic Sourcing: Decide whether to partner with other regions for digital resources or build sovereign infrastructure locally.
Energy Integration: Leverage your local utilities' expertise to create sustainable digital infrastructure.
Local Investment: Encourage regional IT providers to build and maintain critical infrastructure.
04.
Develop Your Talent Pipeline
Educational Alignment: Create programs that directly address your region's digital needs.
Industrial Evolution: Help experienced industrial workers transition into digital roles.
Talent Attraction: Welcome digital natives from other regions to enrich your talent pool.
Job Creation: Partner with local IT providers to create compelling career opportunities.
