As part of the initiatives to support the digital transformation of businesses in the province of Lecce, an Agreement Framework for collaboration activities related to the DANTE EDIH project was signed today by the President of the Lecce Chamber of Commerce, Mario Vadrucci, and the President of the National Technological Cluster “Smart Living Technologies (SMILE)”, Prof. Pietro Aleardo Siciliano.

The agreement envisages synergistic activities between the Lecce Chamber of Commerce, part of the “Digital Enterprise Points” (PID) network of the National Industry 4.0 Plan, to disseminate knowledge of the benefits of investments in Industry 4.0 technologies and assist businesses in understanding their digital maturity, and the European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH), digital innovation hubs recently selected by the European Commission, in collaboration with member states, to support the digital transition of SMEs through the adoption of advanced digital technologies.

Among these, the DANTE EDIH (Digital Solutions for a Healthy, Active, and Smart Life) project has been selected in Europe, aiming to support the digital transformation of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), public sector organizations, and professionals operating in the areas of healthy and active aging, Ambient Assisted Living (AAL), and smart environments. The project is led by the National Technological Cluster “Smart Living Technologies (SMILE)”, based in Lecce, one of the twelve national technological clusters promoted by the Ministry of University and Research (MUR), and specifically, the one of reference for the National Strategic Area “Technologies for Living Environments”.

For businesses, the agreement includes lines of action in the planning and implementation of research activities and stakeholder identification, training, and organization of local events (workshops, seminars, training courses, and conferences aimed at promoting digital culture and technological innovation), and dissemination of information on topics of common interest through the development and provision of activities and services, including helpdesk support, such as technological assessments for interested businesses within the project’s scope, promotion of the adoption of innovative solutions and advanced technologies by SMEs in the region.

“Another significant initiative,” says President Vadrucci, “that the Lecce Chamber of Commerce, through this partnership, has launched as part of a broader program of information, training, support, guidance, and assistance started a few years ago in favor of local businesses to achieve the ambitious goals related to the digital transformation of our country and the revival of the competitiveness of our entrepreneurial system.”

Prof. Siciliano emphasizes “the fundamental role of collaboration between the Lecce Chamber of Commerce and the National Technological Cluster SMILE as a cornerstone for promoting interinstitutional synergy. This strategic alliance acts as a catalyst for the success of initiatives aimed at supporting businesses in facing the challenges posed by the digital transition. The collaboration is an essential element for achieving the goals of Industry 5.0 and Society 5.0, aiming to generate a significant, tangible, and lasting impact on the entrepreneurial ecosystem.”