The Ukrainian delegation is studying the best practices of digital industry transformation in the Czech Republic 

This week, the delegation of the Ukrainian Cluster Alliance Smart Industry and EDIH Kyiv Hitech, which included representatives of APPAU, industry clusters and manufacturing companies, is on a working visit to the Czech Republic. The purpose of the trip is to get acquainted with the work of leading European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) and to find new opportunities for cooperation for the development of Ukrainian SMEs. 

From digitalization to artificial intelligence: how the Czech EDIH work

The first day of the mission was dedicated to the acquaintance with the ecosystem of digital innovations, which was formed around the Czech Technical University in Prague and the network of European programs Digital Europe.

The members of the delegation visited one of the most powerful industrial test sites in Central Europe, which demonstrates solutions for robotic production, digital twins, autonomous systems and artificial intelligence. Particular attention was paid to the AI-Matters project – the European network of test and experimental centers for the implementation of AI in production, robotics and autonomous systems. Project OIt connects the infrastructure of eight EU countries and helps companies test and bring AI solutions to market readiness.

It is significant that the university not only conducts research, but also actively commercializes developments – today 19 technological SPIN-OFF companies operate on its basis.

Brain4Industry: Customized Digital Transformation Road Maps

The second point of the program was a visit to Brain4Industry, one of the most successful Czech EDIH, which specializes in additive production, digital twins, robotics, artificial intelligence and materials science. Center of OIt unites research institutions and technology companies to support the digital transformation of small and medium-sized businesses.

A feature of Brain4Industry is a comprehensive approach to working with enterprises. The center conducts digital maturity audits, helps develop digital transformation strategies and accompanies companies all the way to implementing new technologies. Among the areas of support – artificial intelligence, data management, digital twins, forecast equipment maintenance and additive production.

During the meeting, Czech colleagues presented a number of successful cases, including AI solutions for forecast maintenance, corporate AI assistants, as well as projects to reduce costs and reduce CO emissions through the use of digital technologies and 3D printing.

Ukrainian cases interested Czech partners

A separate part of the program was the presentation of Ukrainian cases of digital transformation. The delegation presented six projects implemented with the participation of Ukrainian enterprises and clusters, in particular the companies ‘Shoes of Podillya’, ‘Imperative’, ‘Motorimpex’ and the Sumy cluster of energy engineering.

The possibility of involving the examination of the Czech EDIH in the further development of these projects is currently being considered. Such cooperation can be an important step for the integration of Ukrainian SMEs into the European innovation ecosystem and accelerating the introduction of Industry 4.0 technologies in Ukraine.

The main conclusions of the 1st day

The Czech experience shows that the successful digital transformation of enterprises is based not only on access to technology, but also on a developed network of support centers that accompany the business from the audit of needs to testing, implementing and scaling innovations.

For Ukrainian clusters, EDIH and manufacturing companies, this is a valuable example of how an effective system of supporting industrial innovation and the development of artificial intelligence in the real sector of the economy can be built.

News of APPAU member companies

Todo and Applic held a webinar on the application of AI in sales

Todo and Applic conducted a practical webinar dedicated to the use of artificial intelligence to automate sales and customer support. During the event, participants got acquainted with the capabilities of AI-assistant Huntbot, who helps to process incoming appeals, advise customers, book meetings and automatically create applications in the CRM-system.

The speakers paid special attention to the practical cases of implementing automation solutions in business and their impact on the speed of lead processing and the quality of customer service.

You can view the webinar recording by link