Our European society, which consists today of 27 Member States is transforming rapidly due to technological, societal and cultural change. Changes in the field of digitalisation and automation influence the way we live and work faster than before. These trends reshape European and global economies in fundamental ways.
Creative- and digital businesses, high-tech manufacturing, and knowledge-intensive services are taking advantage of technological change and add increasing value to our economies. On the other hand low-tech industries, labour-intensive manufacturing and routine jobs are at risk of disruption.
In light of this development I came up with the idea for the European Social and Digital Innovation Program (ESDIP), which can be seen as a solution (in concept form) among other European tools to enhance digital transformation. ESDIP advocates digital transformation by means of applying entrepreneurship as an economical agent and through bilateral collaborations between economically different regions / cities within the EU.
The idea is to develop a sustainable and holistic startup ecosystem for early stage ventures, which is largely operating on the basis of cloud computing technologies and where collaboration with geographically diverse infrastructures forms an important element of the framework in order to digitally bridge between the different regions.
The innovative capacity of the project is captured in its framework (or conceptual structure) and anticipates on two drivers of change – social innovation and digital transformation. The combination of several features (USPs) makes the framework an unique and inclusive startup ecosystem. I’d like to elaborate two of the most interesting features:
1. Pan-European approach and ideology: ESDIP is created with the idea that a pan-European approach has the greatest potential to enhance economic relations between different European regions. The good thing (to be validated) about this approach is that it could enable a positive societal and economical effect on economical diverse regions. In advocacy, (bilateral) collaborations are key and I’d like to call it the collaborative advantage of Europe.
Social innovation and digital transformation can change the course of the future. Economic prosperity shouldn’t only benefit the lucky few (Western- and Northern EU Member States) – it should provide equal opportunity for all.
2. A startup ecosystem which is independent from privately owned physical space and geographic location: The concept introduces a new approach for incubation and digitally bridges between economically different regions / cities within EU. At the same time it overcomes existing incubation problems.
The idea is that ESDIP establishes partnerships with existing coworking spaces as well as educational and cultural institutions in pre-defined cities / regions. These so-called “partner hubs” are essential as they provide different startup teams a physical location with necessary facilities (e.g. workplace, internet, meeting room etc.) Regardless of their geographical location they form important communication- and distribution channels to reach out to potential startup entrepreneurs and stakeholders. Great effort to scout suitable hubs should be invested through collaboration with regional partners like Economic Development Agencies.
As part of the ideation process I presented the NRW-Forum the basic principles of the concept. Alain Bieber, the Artistic Director of this cutting-edge contemporary museum, is naturally interested in supporting cultural and digital entrepreneurs. The idea to provide cloud-based incubation services for talented entrepreneurs is in line with his long-term digitalisation strategy. We believe it would be a good thing to bring this concept to a next level and eventually collaborate with / transfer to a third-party.
Writing concepts like ESDIP or Sustainica makes me aware of the challenges, opportunities as well as (technological) inequalities surrounding us. Even as technology becomes more affordable and internet access seems increasingly ubiquitous, a “digital divide” between rich and poor remains. Feel free to drop me a line in case you’d like to know more about this collaborative idea.
