EU Opens €122 Million Calls for Digital Technologies and Competences

✨ Investing in a brighter digital future✨

ngi4all.e 2 de agosto de 2023
EU Opens €122 Million Calls for Digital Technologies and Competences

The European Commission has taken a significant step towards bolstering digital technologies and competencies across the EU by opening the first set of calls for proposals under the 2023-2024 Main Work Programme of the Digital Europe Programme.

These calls, valued at over €122 million, are open to businesses, public administrations, and other entities from EU Member States, EFTA/EEA countries, and associated countries. The investment aims to promote a digital transformation that will benefit various sectors, from health and cybersecurity to energy efficiency and combating disinformation🚀 🚀

✅ Building Confidence in Digital Transformation

With an allocation of €32 million, this investment round will focus on projects that build confidence in digital transformation. A significant portion will go towards establishing a Network of Safer Internet Centres to assist minors in navigating online risks and allowing citizens to report online child sexual abuse material anonymously.

Such initiatives are critical to ensuring the safety and protection of vulnerable individuals in the digital age. Another area of investment under this category is the European Digital Media Observatory hubs, which will contribute to the fight against disinformation. Additionally, an EU energy-saving reference framework will be developed to help citizens reduce energy consumption, and an IT system will support removing online child sexual abuse material.

✅  Advancing in Data and Cloud Technologies

The EU recognizes the paramount importance of data and cloud technologies in shaping the digital landscape. To this end, €31 million will be allocated for projects in the area of data. This includes the Genome for Europe project, aiming to establish a European reference genome database to drive breakthrough advances in research, innovation, disease prevention, and healthcare delivery. A robust data infrastructure fosters innovation and progress in various sectors. Furthermore, €25 million will support the Cloud Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) Exploitation Office.

This investment will aid in disseminating cloud-to-edge results of the IPCEI and developing a secure collaborative platform for the aeronautics and security industries. These developments are expected to streamline operations further and encourage cross-industry collaboration.

✅ Boosting Artificial Intelligence and Digital Skills

Recognizing the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the need for skilled individuals in the digital realm, the Commission has set aside €18 million for projects in the AI domain. Investments in AI technology will open new avenues for innovation and drive economic growth. In parallel, €16 million will be allocated to promote advanced digital skills. This funding will strengthen semiconductor expertise and focus on empowering young pupils, particularly young girls, with essential digital skills. The EU lays the groundwork for a competitive and inclusive digital future by nurturing a skilled and diverse workforce.

The deadline for applying to these calls is September 26, 2023. Interested parties can find application information here. It is worth noting that further calls under the 2023-2024 Work Programme will be announced later this year. The total budget for this Work Programme is a substantial €909.5 million, with €392 million earmarked for actions in 2023.

✨ Investing in digital technologies and competencies aligns with the EU's commitment to fostering innovation, ensuring security, and creating a digitally inclusive society. By supporting a broad range of initiatives, the Digital Europe Programme aims to position the EU as a global leader in the digital realm, drive progress, and create a sustainable and competitive digital future for all.✨