The discussion on the digital transformation of manufacturing in Slovakia showed that European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) helped many small and medium-sized enterprises kick-start change, but had to adapt to turbulent years. From the energy crisis and war to the rise of generative artificial intelligence, priorities, service portfolios, and expectations shifted. Company interest is high, but support and coordination are still lagging.
EDIHs in Slovakia: what they have delivered and how they have changed
The first Slovak EDIHs launched with the ambition to help industrial companies with Industry 4.0 principles and digitalization. Shortly after launch, however, they were hit by the energy crisis, war, and disrupted supply chains, which shifted the focus to energy efficiency and quick, practical solutions. Meanwhile, the importance of artificial intelligence surged, which the hubs had to significantly expand in their offering. All of this is happening against the backdrop of Europe’s broader lag in cutting-edge technologies compared with the USA and China.
Practical interest from companies is confirmed by hundreds of clients served and demand exceeding available resources. “Small” interventions also delivered good results, such as consulting and small grants in the Digitrans project, which helped companies clarify their first steps and license basic tools. Nevertheless, Slovakia has long supported SMEs less than the EU average, and the regional level is almost untapped. As a result, productivity and competitiveness are growing more slowly than they need to.
Challenges: skills, neutrality, and data
A key problem highlighted is the lack of practical training: people in industry often cannot precisely define what to ask of digitalization. Targeted programs like Engineer 4.0 help, but equally important is a neutral space where one can ask questions and seek advice informally without fear of marketing pressure. Some hubs faced criticism that they appear too “one-sided,” which hinders open collaboration. Transparency, openness, and a clear separation of advisory services from technology sales are therefore essential.
Industry has long been tuned to automation and robotics, which have quickly quantifiable benefits, but it lags in working with data. Interest in education on data topics is lower, even though it is data and AI that will decide future competitiveness. Companies that postpone digitalization risk losing clients and markets that are difficult to win back. A “translator” is also needed between manufacturing companies and IT suppliers so that needs and solutions meet in a common, understandable language.
What’s next: a new operating model and more forms of support
EDIHs will continue, but with different financing: the European Commission, through the DEP program, will cover 50% of the price of services and companies will pay the rest; the state will no longer co-finance. This will bring a selection of offerings toward what is truly in demand, while also providing a discount for businesses. For the hubs to fulfill their purpose, they must operate as true “nodes” of the ecosystem: diagnosing needs, connecting, and helping companies make data-driven decisions.
Alongside this, Slovakia needs more types of support – from short consulting interventions and small grants to larger investment schemes – and a stronger role for the regions. The goal is to turn the lean modes learned from supply chains into proprietary solutions with higher added value. Digitalization is no longer a choice, but a condition for survival; those who start today will not just be catching up tomorrow, but will be able to grow. The key is to connect people, processes, data, and technologies in ways that deliver measurable results.
