Danube Digital transformation Network of Active SMEs training and knowledge transfer centers

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B Danube

Date of latest update: 2025-12-17

Description

Description (EN):

The main challenge addressed with the project is the synchronized transnational digital transformation of SMEs towards industry and logistics 4.0, across the Danube Region. To address the challenge, the main objective of the project is to create the Danube DNA - Digital Transformation network of Active SMEs training and knowledge transfer centers. The Danube DNA network will be the nucleus of integrative smart specialization, skills development, cross-sectorial collaborations, SMEs transformation, and transition towards industry and logistics 4.0, through the transfer of knowledge, inter‐regional capacity building, jointly developed solutions, and implementation of innovative and sustainable pilot actions. The created Danube DNA network (O 1.1) will perform transnational alignment of regional smart specialization strategies and policies in the form of the Transnational Guidelines for the smart specialization of the Danube Region (D. 1. 3.2). The Guidelines will be based on the Analysis of the smart specialization strategies across the Danube region (D. 1. 2.1), Map of the digital readiness by country and industry sector along the Danube Region (D. 1. 2.2), and Gap analysis and technology solutions inventory (D. 1. 3.1). It will be jointly developed by all PPs and will serve as the basis for the Skills development and knowledge transfer sessions (D. 2. 2.1), joint solutions development (O. 2.2), and pilot actions implementation (O. 3.1). Cross-border knowledge transfer between the Danube DNA molecules (Digital Transformation Centers) and their capacity building will ensure the creation of the “one-stop shop” for SMEs digitalization (D. 2. 1.1). These “one-stop shops” will become knowledge transfer points to the national SMEs through the specially designed Knowledge transfer and capacity-building training module (O. 2.1). At the same time, these “one-stop shops” will develop 6 joint solutions (O. 2.2). The solutions will be verified through their implementation to the 12 SMEs along the Danube Region, in the form of 12 pilot actions (O. 3.1), one per each project participating country. In that way, each solution will be proven through two pilot actions in two different countries, proving at the same time its validity and its transnational transferability. The project outputs and results will be disseminated to the main target groups from the comprehensive Danube Region (SMEs, sectoral agencies, business support organizations, and public authorities), through the Danube DNA platform (D. 1. 4.2), the Digital Transformation Expo Event (D. 2. 4.1) and digitally organized industry-specific webinars (D. 3. 2.1).

Actual Achievements (EN):

All project activities were carried out as planned and defined in the AF, without any obstacles and delays. The key activities and achievements were: - Online Kick-Off meeting for the project partners was held on the 15th of January 2024. All partners participated in the meeting. - Within activity A1.1, the D 1.1.1 Pillars of the Danube DNA network were defined. - Kick-Off event was held on the 20th and 21st of February 2024 in Novi Sad, Serbia. All PPs and ASPs participated in the event and signed the O 1.1 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the Danube DNA network. - Within activity A1.2 a deep dive analysis of smart specialization in the EU and particularly in the Danube countries was conducted. As a result, the Smart specialization strategy assessment across countries was finalized (D 1.2.1). - Within activity A 1.2 a methodology for assessing digital readiness across the countries and industrial sector in the Danube DNA countries was initiated. National-level data across a series of indicators to measure digital readiness at the national and EU levels were collected. Based on the data the first draft of a dashboard to measure and visualize digital readiness across countries was created and various visualizations were developed. - Activity 1.3 was initiated with the development of methodology for the Transnational SMEs digitalization gap analysis and identification of key technologies and solutions that SMEs should embrace regarding digital transformation in production and logistics in the region. - Activity A 1.4 (Establishment of the Danube DNA platform) started as planned by determining the scope and functionalities of the platform and creating the cross-project cooperations. Its development is in continuous progress. - Activity A 2.1 (Cross-border knowledge transfer between Danube DNA molecules - Digital Transformation Centers) started. Two online capacity-building events were carried out and three more will be carried out in September 2024. After the online capacity buildings, the personal mutual visits and capacity buildings (at the PP institutions) among partners will be carried out in September and October. All project activities in the first two periods were carried out as planned in the AF. All PPs actively participated in the following activities and achievements: - Online Kick-Off meeting for the project partners that was held on the 15th of January 2024. All partners had at least one representative at the meeting. - Pillars of the Danube DNA network were defined (D 1.1.1). - Kick-Off event was held on the 20th and 21st of February 2024 in Novi Sad, Serbia. Representatives of all PPs and ASPs participated in the event and signed the O 1.1 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the Danube DNA network. - Deep dive analysis of smart specialization in the EU and particularly in the Danube countries was performed (activity A1.2) resulting with the Smart specialization strategy assessment across countries (D 1.2.1). - Digital readiness assessment across the countries and industrial sector in the Danube DNA countries was performed (activity A1.2) resulting with the Map of the digital readiness by country and industry sector along the Danube Region (D 1.2.2). - Transnational SMEs digitalization gap analysis and identification of key technologies and solutions that SMEs should embrace regarding digital transformation in production and logistics in the region were initiated (activity 1.3) and performed by each PP for their countries. However, the final deliverables (D1.3.1 and D1.3.2) could not be finalized by the PP2 ITCLD due to some unexpected staff issues and therefore was shifted to the LP1 FTN who will be finalizing it in the third period. - Danube DNA Platform Sustainability Plan (D1.4.2) was created, as well as the backend of the Danube DNA platform (D1.4.2). Its development will be continuous even after the project is finalized (activity A 1.4). - Cross-border knowledge transfer between Danube DNA molecules - Digital Transformation Centers was performed (activity A 2.1) including 6 online capacity-building events and two to three personal visits of each PP to other PPs for the capacity buildings at the PP institutions (D2.1.1). - Online PP and 2nd SCOM meeting with representatives of all PPs was held on the 18th of December 2024. - 27 training sessions to the SMEs along the Danube region (activity A2.2) were provided with 10 to 15 SMEs per each country (Knowledge transfer between Danube DNA molecules and national SMEs). - Brainstorming and analyzing potentially interesting and useful solutions that should be developed within activity A2.3. All the abovementioned activities were carried out as planned and defined in the AF, without any obstacles. The implementation of project activities has progressed successfully and according to the work plan defined in the Application Form (AF). Across the first three reporting periods, all planned activities were carried out without major delays or obstacles, ensuring smooth collaboration and active engagement of all project partners (PPs) and associated strategic partners (ASPs). Project coordination began with the online Kick-Off meeting on 15 January 2024, attended by all partners. This was followed by the onsite Kick-Off event on 20–21 February 2024 in Novi Sad, Serbia, during which representatives of all PPs and ASPs signed the Memorandum of Understanding (O 1.1), formally establishing the Danube DNA network. Subsequently, the pillars of the Danube DNA network were defined (D1.1.1), laying the structural foundation for future cooperation. Within Work Package 1, an extensive deep-dive analysis of smart specialization strategies across EU and Danube countries was conducted (A1.2), resulting in the Smart Specialization Strategy Assessment (D1.2.1). In parallel, a digital readiness assessment across countries and industrial sectors was finalized (D1.2.2), producing a valuable map of digital preparedness throughout the region. Furthermore, the consortium performed a transnational SMEs digitalization gap analysis (A1.3), identifying key technologies relevant to production and logistics. Due to unforeseen staff issues at PP2 ITCLD, the finalization of D1.3.1 and D1.3.2 was transferred to LP1 FTN and successfully completed in the third period, incorporating practical insights gathered through later knowledge-transfer activities. The consortium also created the Danube DNA Platform Sustainability Plan and its backend infrastructure (D1.4.2), enabling long-term operation beyond the project’s lifetime (A1.4). Work Package 2 focused on strengthening capacity across regions. A cross-border knowledge transfer program between Danube DNA molecules – Digital Transformation Centers – was implemented (A2.1), comprising six online capacity-building sessions and multiple in-person visits among partner institutions (D2.1.1). In addition, 27 national training sessions were delivered to SMEs across the Danube Region (A2.2), engaging 10–15 companies per country and supporting alignment between regional needs and proposed digital solutions. Building on this, 12 national knowledge-transfer sessions were organized simultaneously across participating countries, whose findings were integrated directly into the Transnational Guidelines for Smart Specialization (D1.3.2) and contributed to O2.1 – the knowledge-transfer and capacity-building training module. Partners also collaborated in brainstorming and defining joint transnational solutions for SMEs’ digital transformation (A2.3), establishing a basis for practical pilot actions. Throughout these periods, the project maintained strong governance. The Online PP and 2nd SCOM meeting was held on 18 December 2024, followed by the 3rd Steering Committee meeting on 17 March 2025 in Budapest. These meetings enabled coordinated decision-making, progress monitoring, and effective adjustment of upcoming tasks. Finally, all PPs actively contribute to the joint solutions development (A2.3) and pilot actions preparation (A3.1), ensuring that future demonstrations will address real SME requirements and align with identified technological priorities. Partners also supported PP7 PTP in enriching the online Danube DNA platform by providing content and materials collected through A2.2 activities, improving platform relevance and usability. Overall, three reporting periods have produced the following key deliverables and outputs: - D1.2.1 – Smart Specialization Strategy Assessment - D1.2.2 – Digital Readiness Map - D1.3.1 – Gap Analysis and Technology Solutions Inventory - D1.3.2 – Transnational Guidelines for Smart Specialization - D1.4.2 – Platform Sustainability Plan & Backend Implementation - D2.1.1 – Capacity-Building Activities Summary - O2.1 – Knowledge-Transfer and Capacity-Building Training Module The cooperative, transnational approach has ensured comprehensive and transferable results across 12 countries, strengthened collaboration among Digital Transformation Centers, avoided duplication of regional efforts, and laid the groundwork for long-term sustainability and impact beyond the project’s duration.

Project outputs: Signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) (EN)
Knowledge transfer and capacity-building training module developed
(EN)
Jointly developed solutions(EN)
Pilot action implemented(EN)
Website: https://interreg-danube.eu/projects/danube-dna

Thematic information

SME and entrepreneurship

Priority: (VI-B_D_1) Priority 1 - A more competitive and smarter Danube Region

Priority specific objective: RSO1.4. Developing skills for smart specialisation, industrial transition and entrepreneurship

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO1 A more competitive and smarter Europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation and regional ICT connectivity

Type of intervention: 013 Digitising SMEs (including e-Commerce, e-Business and networked business processes, digital innovation hubs, living labs, web entrepreneurs and ICT start-ups, B2B)

Partners (12)

Lead Partner: Fakultet tehničkih nauka, Univerzitet u Novom Sadu

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 100724720

Address: Trg Dositeja Obradovića, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://ftn.uns.ac.rs/n1386094394/faculty-of-technical-sciences

Total budget: EUR 269 710.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 215 768.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 53 942.00

Contractors:

Name: MARK LOG, BRANKA PATIĆ MACAN
VAT registration or tax identification number: 112869695
Name: INFOGRAF GOTI DOO NOVI SAD
VAT registration or tax identification number: 103261811
Name: Voxellab d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 108541041

Privredna komora Crne Gore

Name: Privredna komora Crne Gore

Partner’s ID if not PIC: N.a.

Address: Novaka Miloseva, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro

Legal status: public

Organisation type: N.a.

Website: http://www.komora.me

Total budget: EUR 141 020.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 112 816.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 28 204.00

Contractors:

Name: "TRINAEST" D.O.O. Podgorica
VAT registration or tax identification number: 30/31-18308-0
Name: ISTCG
VAT registration or tax identification number: 02889854

Sarajevska regionalna razvojna agencija

Name: Sarajevska regionalna razvojna agencija

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 200816600000

Address: Kolodvorska, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Other

Website: http://www.serda.ba

Total budget: EUR 142 840.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 114 272.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 28 568.00

Contractors:

Name: Kamer Commerce d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 200086440001 / 4200086440001

CAMPUS 02 Fachhochschule der Wirtschaft

Name: CAMPUS 02 Fachhochschule der Wirtschaft

Partner’s ID if not PIC: ATU 39390306

Address: Körblergasse , 8010 Graz, Austria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.campus02.at

Total budget: EUR 199 640.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 159 712.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 39 928.00

TUM International GmbH

Name: TUM International GmbH

Partner’s ID if not PIC: DE258703626

Address: Freddie Mercury, 80797 Munich, Germany

Legal status: private

Organisation type: SME

Website: http://www.tum-international.com

Total budget: EUR 178 340.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 142 672.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 35 668.00

SOVA Digital a.s.

Name: SOVA Digital a.s.

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SK2020244325

Address: Bojnická, 831 04 Bratislava, Slovakia

Legal status: private

Organisation type: SME

Website: https://sova.sk/

Total budget: EUR 189 640.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 151 712.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 37 928.00

Pomurski tehnološki park d.o.o.

Name: Pomurski tehnološki park d.o.o.

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SI23632763

Address: Plese, 9000 Murska Sobota, Slovenia

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: https://www.p-tech.si/en/

Total budget: EUR 199 720.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 159 776.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 39 944.00

Contractors:

Name: 3DS d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: SI 78330157

DDRIÜ Dél-Dunántúi Regionális Innovációs Ügynökség Nonprofit Kft.

Name: DDRIÜ Dél-Dunántúi Regionális Innovációs Ügynökség Nonprofit Kft.

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 14194799-2-02

Address: Mária utca, 7621 Pécs, Hungary

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: https://ddriu.hu/en/home/

Total budget: EUR 194 780.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 155 824.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 38 956.00

Vysoká škola technická a ekonomická v Českých Budějovicích

Name: Vysoká škola technická a ekonomická v Českých Budějovicích

Partner’s ID if not PIC: CZ75081431

Address: Okružní, 370 01 České Budějovice, Czech Republic

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://www.vstecb.cz/en/

Total budget: EUR 145 440.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 116 352.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 29 088.00

TERA TEHNOPOLIS d.o.o.

Name: TERA TEHNOPOLIS d.o.o.

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HR39077073015

Address: Trg Ljudevita Gaja, 31000 Osijek, Croatia

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: https://tera.hr/

Total budget: EUR 183 020.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 146 416.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 36 604.00

Contractors:

Name: IKEA Hrvatska d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR21523879111
Name: FastSpring
VAT registration or tax identification number: EU372017645
Name: Metro Cash & Carry d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR38016445738
Name: HUIP
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR28975021707
Name: M-Computers
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR20776213746
Name: Digital River Ireland, Ltd.
VAT registration or tax identification number: IE6426071C
Name: PIRINI-TRADE d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR55605723916
Name: Zoom Video Communications Inc.
VAT registration or tax identification number: IE6388047V

Фондация Клъстер информационни и комуникационни технологии

Name: Фондация Клъстер информационни и комуникационни технологии

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 131374292

Address: Blvd "Tsarigradsko shose" , STP, Incubator ,of.28 , 1784 Sofia, Bulgaria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: http://www.ictcluster.bg/

Total budget: EUR 198 940.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 159 152.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 39 788.00

ASOCIAȚIA ,,CLUSTER IT&C DUNĂREA DE JOS”

Name: ASOCIAȚIA ,,CLUSTER IT&C DUNĂREA DE JOS”

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 37251770

Address: Bd GALAȚI, 800654 GALAȚI, Romania

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: https://itcluster.ro/

Total budget: EUR 116 440.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 93 152.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 23 288.00

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

CHAMBER OF ECONOMY OF MONTENEGRO

Danube Digital transformation Network of Active SMEs training and knowledge transfer centers

Partners and Projects info

Sarajevo economic regional development agency

Danube Digital transformation Network of Active SMEs training and knowledge transfer centers

Partners and Projects info

CAMPUS 02 University of Applied Sciences

Danube Digital transformation Network of Active SMEs training and knowledge transfer centers

Partners and Projects info

TUM International

Danube Digital transformation Network of Active SMEs training and knowledge transfer centers

Partners and Projects info

SOVA Digital Inc.

Danube Digital transformation Network of Active SMEs training and knowledge transfer centers

Partners and Projects info

Pomurski tehnološki park d.o.o.

Danube Digital transformation Network of Active SMEs training and knowledge transfer centers

Partners and Projects info

South Trasndanubian Regional Innovation Agency

Danube Digital transformation Network of Active SMEs training and knowledge transfer centers

Partners and Projects info

Institute of Technology and Business in České Budějovice

Danube Digital transformation Network of Active SMEs training and knowledge transfer centers

Partners and Projects info

TERA TEHNOPOLIS Ltd.

Danube Digital transformation Network of Active SMEs training and knowledge transfer centers

Partners and Projects info

Foundation Cluster Information and Communication Technologies

Danube Digital transformation Network of Active SMEs training and knowledge transfer centers

Partners and Projects info

IT&C Cluster "Lower Danube"

Danube Digital transformation Network of Active SMEs training and knowledge transfer centers

Partners and Projects info

Faculty of Technical Sciences, University of Novi Sad

Danube Digital transformation Network of Active SMEs training and knowledge transfer centers

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Danube Digital transformation Network of Active SMEs training and knowledge transfer centers

Project acronym: Danube DNA

Project ID: DRP0200391

Project start date: 2024-01-01

Project end date: 2026-06-30

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

Selfsustained custoMized cyberphysicAl system expeRimenTs for capacity buiLding among European stakehoLders an intends to build a network of Digital Innovation Hubs (DIHs) across South and Eastern Europe ‐ SMART4ALL (EN) | The SMART4ALL project, supported by the HORIZON 2020, builds capacity amongst European stakeholders via the development of selfsustained, cross‐border experiments that transfer knowledge and technology between academia and industry. It targets CLEC CPS
and the IoT and combines a set of unique characteristics that join together under a common vision different cultures, different policies, different geographical areas and different application domains. SMART4ALL brings a new paradigm for revealing “hidden innovation treasures” from SEE and helping them to find the path to market via new, innovative commercial products. As part of its strategy, the project will develop and maintain an active network of DIHs across SEE for supporting academics, startups, SMEs, and mid‐caps entering the digitization era.
Synergy of the Danube DNA project with the SMART4ALL project will be related to the DIH and Danube DNA network cooperation, as well as in the area of the cross-border knowledge and technology transfer, considering the common vision of the Danube region, but different policies, different geographical areas and different application domains. (EN), ReStartSME (EN) | ReStartSME is the initiative promoted by the European Commission to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and thus economic downturn. The project aims to build resilience of manufacturing SMEs in automotive, machinery & equipment, food, and textile by analyzing their digitalization needs and offering concrete tools to adopt modern technologies such as AI, robotics, cybersecurity & IoT.
The synergy between the Danube DNA and the ReStartSME will be regarding the joint investigation of the digitalization needs of SMEs and offering concrete tools to adopt modern technologies such as AI, robotics, cybersecurity & IoT by the SMEs in the Danube Region. (EN), BOWI - Boosting Widening Digital Innovation Hubs (EN) | The BOWI project is part of the European Commission’s Smart Anything Everywhere initiative that aims to boost innovation uptake across Europe through widening and knowledge transfer between different regions and innovation hubs. The objective of the project is to support the collaboration between Digital Innovation Hubs (DIHs) across Europe to increase their capacity in supporting SMEs with digital technologies and thus strengthen the regional economy and the competitiveness of the European SMEs.
The BOWI project and BOWI network could complement the Danube DNA project efforts and activities on the way to cross-regional technology transfer of services for the digital transformation of SMEs. (EN), AIBC Euroclusters (EN) | The project AIBC Euroclusters, which was supported by the program SMP – COSME-2021 – CLUSTERS, has aim to support the uptake of AI and BC applications by different industrial ecosystems (manufacturing, mobility, logistics, energy) in need of digitalization, resilience, and green transformation by providing financial support for training, internationalization, experiments and development of new products and services. The Danube DNA project could benefit from the results and lessons learned during the implementation of the AIBC Eurolcusters project. The results from the financial support provided to manufacturing SMEs and tech-savvy SMEs for training, internationalization, and product and service development are a source of information on how to attract SMEs to take part in different activities related to digital transformation and the circular economy. (EN), ECO Industrial network for the Alpine Regions – Leveraging smart and Circular Economy (ECOLE) (EN) | TUMint (PP9) has successfully implemented an Interreg Alpine Space project - "ECO Industrial network for the Alpine Regions – Leveraging smart and Circular Economy (ECOLE)", focused on transforming industrial areas into circular and smart industrial parks. A core focus has been on developing cross-national strategies, identifying suitable technologies and solutions, and ensuring knowledge and technology transfer in the process. Considering that the TUMint is the leader of activities 1.2 and 1.3 within the Danube DNA project that are defining the Transnational Guidelines for the smart specialization in the Danube Region, they will create synergy between these two projects to consider the further digitalization of SMEs along the Danube Region in the broader territorial context. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 2 159 530.00

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 1 727 624.00

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 80.00%

Co-financing sources:

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

Pillars of the Danube DNA network
Analysis of the smart specialization strategies across the Danube region.
Map of the digital readiness by country and industry sector along the Danube Region
Gap analysis and technology solutions inventory
Transnational Guidelines for the smart specialization of the Danube Region
Danube DNA Platform Sustainability Plan
Danube DNA platform created and ready for knowledge content upload and sharing
Danube DNA one-stop shop creation
Skills developed and knowledge transfer sessions performed
Technical manual of the joint solution 1
Technical manual of the joint solution 2
Technical manual of the joint solution 3
Technical manual of the joint solution 4
Technical manual of the joint solution 5
Technical manual of the joint solution 6
Digital Transformation Expo Event
Proceedings of the Digital Transformation Expo Event
Pilot actions implementation lessons learned
Digitally transferred knowledge to the extended comprehensive Danube Region
Digital dissemination outreach

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyDanubeRegion The project is clearly contributing to strategic goals related to the territorial needs and challenges tackled in the EUSDR Action Plan.
The contribution to the EUSDR Action Plan will be especially by the:
1. Establishment of the Danube DNA network and the Danube DNA platform to the PA7: Knowledge Society (particularly to the action 3: To strengthen cooperation among universities, research organizations and SMEs in the Danube Region);
2. Development of the joint solutions to the PA 8: Competitiveness of enterprises (particularly to the action 2: Establishment of an Innovative Digital Ecosystem in the Danube Region in order to support SMEs when tackling the challenges of a digitalized world);
3. Knowledge transfer and capacity building sessions to the PA 9: People and skills (particularly to the action 2: Digitalization and Innovation in the World of Work).
Cross-sectoral and cross-border cooperation of the Danube DNA network will create a sustainable innovation ecosystem for capacity building, skills development, knowledge transfer, new solutions development, and implementation, by considering the specific territorial challenges and disparities, contributing to the general effort of closing the innovation gap and fostering the economic development across the Danube Region, as targeted in the EUSDR and addressed with the EUSDR Action Plan, under the PA7, PA8 and PA9.
EuropeanGreenDeal The European Green Deal emphasizes the use of digital technologies and innovation to accelerate the transition to a green economy. Digitalization can play a crucial role in optimizing resource use, increasing energy efficiency, and promoting sustainable practices within SMEs. Digital tools can help SMEs monitor and optimize energy consumption, reduce waste, improve supply chain efficiency, and develop innovative green products and services. One of the key output of the Danube DNA project will be development of the 6 joint solutions. At least one of the 6 joint solutions developed within the project will be dedicated to the monitoring and optimization of the energy consumption of the SMEs. The developed solution will be offered in the form of an open source on the Danube DNA platform where it will be available free of charge to any SME in the Danube Region and in Europe generally. In that way the project will be directly contributing to the European Green Deal Strategy.
At the same time, the European Green Deal fosters knowledge sharing and collaboration among SMEs, research institutions, and other stakeholders. Digital platforms and networks facilitate the exchange of best practices, expertise, and innovative solutions, enabling SMEs to learn from each other and accelerate their digital transformation for sustainability. Exactly this kind of activities and outputs are foreseen within the Danube DNA project.
TerritorialAgenda2030 The main objective of the Territorial Agenda 2030 is to contribute to a more balanced, sustainable, and resilient development across Europe, taking into account the diverse territorial challenges and opportunities. The agenda acknowledges the transformative power of digital technologies and calls for their responsible and inclusive deployment to foster innovation, improve connectivity, enhance territorial services, and bridge digital divides between regions.
In direct relation, the main challenge addressed with the Danube DNA project is the synchronized transnational digital transformation of SMEs towards industry and logistics 4.0, across the Danube Region.
In the Danube Region, there are large economic development and competitiveness gaps between the old, the new Member States, and the non-EU countries. There are also large differences in S3 in terms of field of specialization, sectors, and territorial coverage. While some participating states have their own national plans and strategies, for others it is still a new, emerging topic. Therefore, coordinated support for the transnational alignment of S3 strategies and their further practical implementation for the SMEs' digital transformation towards Industry 4.0 is of crucial importance.
This is one of the main goals of the Danube DNA project and will be directly focused in activities 1.2 and 1.3 (including deliverables 1.3.1 and 1.3.2).
Other The Danube DNA project contributes to wider strategies and policies by aligning with and supporting the implementation of smart specialization strategies in the Danube Region. Smart specialization is a key policy approach within the European Union aimed at promoting regional competitiveness by focusing on each region's strengths and potential for innovation and economic growth.
The project directly contributes to the implementation of smart specialization strategies by providing a transnational network and platform for knowledge exchange, capacity building, and joint solutions development. By bringing together stakeholders from various sectors and countries in the Danube Region, the project facilitates cross-national and cross-sectoral cooperation, enhancing the transfer of existing competencies and fostering innovation capacity within the region.
In addition, the project's focus on digital transformation and industry 4.0 processes aligns with the broader digitalization strategies and policies at both the European and national levels. By promoting the digital transformation of SMEs in the Danube Region, the project supports the advancement of digital skills and competencies, which are crucial for the European digital economy.
Regarding the European Year of Skills, the Danube DNA project contributes by providing skills development opportunities for SMEs in the targeted industry sectors. Through the project's activities, such as skills development sessions, knowledge transfer, and capacity building training modules, at least 10 SMEs from each participating Danube country will benefit from the project's outputs. These efforts directly support the enhancement of digital skills among SMEs, which aligns with the objectives of the European Year of Skills.
Other The Danube DNA project directly contributes to the European Commission digital strategy, particularly to its specific objective 2.3. Empower business-driven digital transformation. Within this objective, the Commision creates a digital transformation roadmap that also includes concrete actions in the areas of digital culture and business transformation. The Transnational Guidelines developed within the Danube DNA project (D.1.3.2) will directly complement these strategicaly determined concrete actions in the areas of digital culture and business transformation. The Digital Strategy strongly supports and promotes application of innovative technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI). As stated in the Strategy, a Commission AI action plan will pave the way for corporate AI solutions, built on pilots and proofs of concept, and inspired by the principles of the proposed Artificial Intelligence Act. Exactly this technology will be one of the key technologies that will be used in the Danube DNA project for jointly developed solutions (O2.2) and their implementation and verification through concrete pilot actions along the Danube Region (O3.1), which is directly contributing to the objectives defined in the European Commission digital strategy.
Other The Danube DNA project directly contributes to An SME Strategy for a Sustainable and Digital Europe. The Strategy aims to contribute to the objectives of the European Green Deal, the Digital Decade, and other EU actions launched in the context of the twin digital and green transition, namely achieving a climate-neutral, resource-efficient, and agile digital economy, by mobilizing European small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across industrial sectors. One of the three key pillars of the Strategy is "Capacity-building and support for the transition to sustainability and digitalization". Within the pillar, the Strategy focuses on:
1. The knowledge sharing;
2. Creation and support of Digital Innovation Hubs (DIHs) for SMEs on the regional level;
3. Offering concrete training and upskilling opportunities.
The activities of the Danube DNA project directly contribute to the focus points. Activity 2.1 is focused on knowledge sharing; activity 1.1 is focused on the creation of the Danube DNA network - the network of the competence centers - the "one-stop shops" for the SMEs digital transformation; activity 2.2 will provide knowledge transfer and capacity building of the SMEs in the Danube Region.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:

Programme Result Indicator:

ISI - Organisations with increased institutional capacity due to their participation in cooperation activities across the borders, Measurement unit: No. of organisations

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSDR

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B Danube

Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme

2025-12-17

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

138 / 138 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

1 413 / 1 413 (100%)

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Danube Digital transformation Network of Active SMEs training and knowledge transfer centers

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Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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