The Digital Europe Programme
The European Commission has adopted three work programmes for the Digital Europe Programme, (DIGITAL) outlining the objectives and specific topic areas with a funding budget of €1.98 billion. Funding will be provided to strategic investments that support realising the Commission’s goals in making this Europe’s Digital Decade.
The Digital Europe Programme aims to bolster Europe’s technological sovereignty and bring digital solutions to market for the benefit of citizens, public administrations and businesses. With a planned total budget of €7.5 billion (in current prices) over the upcoming seven years, the programme aims at accelerating the economic recovery and shaping the digital transformation of Europe’s society and economy, bringing benefits in particular to small and medium-sized businesses.
“This is Europe’s Digital Decade. By 2030, data, cloud, edge and quantum computing will drive industrial and societal innovation, creating new business models. The €2 billion investment announced today enables European companies – of all sizes and notably startups – to seize opportunities in fast-growing markets. It will also empower European citizens with the skills needed to thrive in a safe digital environment. This strengthens our technological sovereignty.”
– Thierry Breton, Commissioner for Internal Market
The first four work programmes implementing DIGITAL are:
• DIGITAL Europe Work Programme 2021-2022
• DIGITAL Europe – EDIH Work Programme 2021-2023, specifically dedicated to the European Digital Innovation Hubs
• DIGITAL Europe – Cybersecurity Work Programme 2021-2022
• DIGITAL EUROPE – High Performance Computing
The first three work programmes were adopted by the European Commission on 10 November 2021 and follow extensive consultations with the Member States and stakeholders. The first calls were published on 17 November 2021.
The fourth work programme for High-Performance Computing is prepared by the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking and will follow an independent calendar for adoption.
The main work programme
The main digital work programme is worth €1.38 billion, runs until the end of 2022 and provides funding in the areas of:
• artificial intelligence (AI)
• cloud and data spaces
• quantum communication infrastructure
• advanced digital skills
• the wide use of digital technologies across the economy and society
Funding in the area of cybersecurity, with a budget of €269 million until the end of 2022.
Funding for the set – up and operation of the network of European Digital Innovation Hubs, with a budget of €329 million, until the end of 2023
Funding and tenders
The first calls for the Digital Europe Programme are available since the end of November 2021. Further calls will be published in 2022. The work programmes will be implemented mainly through grants and procurement. A few actions will be implemented through indirect management, with partner organisations procuring for the necessary developments.
For further details on the objectives, admissibility, eligibility and application concerning DIGITAL, please feel free to contact the EUFUNDINGHUB.
Europe’s Digital Decade: digital targets for 2030
On 9 March 2021, the European Commission presented its vision and avenues for Europe’s digital transformation by 2030. This Digital Compass for the EU’s digital decade evolves around four fundamental objectives:
1
Skills (Basic Digital Skills: min 80% of population)
2
Secure and sustainable digital infrastructures (gigabit for everyone, 5G everywhere, cutting edge Semiconductors, 10,000 climate neutral highly secure edge nodes, first computer with quantum acceleration)
3
Digital transformation of businesses (Tech up-take: 75% of EU companies using Cloud/AI/Big Data, Innovators: grow scale ups & finance to double EU Unicorns, Late adopters: more than 90% of SMEs reach at least a basic level of digital intensity)
4
Digitalisation of public services (Key Public Services: 100% online, e-Health: 100% of citizens having access to medical records, Digital Identity: 80% citizens using digital ID)
Digital rights
• Freedom of expression, including access to diverse, trustworthy and transparent information
• Freedom to set up and conduct a business online
• Protection of personal data and privacy
• Protection of the intellectual creation of individuals in the online space
Digital principles
• A secure and trusted online environment
• Universal digital education and skills
• Access to digital systems and devices that respect the environment
• Accessible and human-centred digital public services and administration
• Ethical principles for human-centred algorithms
• Protecting and empowering children in the online space
• Access to digital health services
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