Main Objectives
One of the main objectives of the Artificial Intelligence working group, led by Pannon Business Network, is to foster the application of AI in the Danube Region in the key application areas using different kind of technologies. As it is stated in the revised version of the Action Plan at Action 5 ,it is inevitable that SMEs adapt to and keep abreast of this new area and enhance and permanently update their knowledge in the field of AI to remain competitive. In order to achieve this goal, PBN during the establishment of the transnational WG, was addressing different types of representatives (such as experts, BSOs R&D associations) throughout the Danube Region who might collaborate and learn/experience good practices from each other in the field of Artificial Intelligence.
Besides, the work of AI WG also contributes to Action 2 which proposes to bring together organisations and stakeholders whose main goal is to enable and foster technology development and innovation.
PBN has prepared a new comprehensive policy paper on future development areas of the AI, which includes an application field matrix mentioning the potential key application areas of AI and the relevant technologies to be used.
A first version of new paper was prepared in early 2019, summing up the state of the art aspects and conditions relevant for artificial intelligence in the region but before stakeholders could act on our findings and recommendations, the global pandemic of COVID-19 hit, and its impacts have reshaped in many aspects of our societies and economies. This report, updated and re-written to reflect on the changes and challenges of the last 2.5 years aims to continue the work of AI perspectives in the Danube Region, taking into account not only the regional specificities but also the lessons we have learnt from the pandemic. Danube_Region_Artificial_Intelligence_2021 December_fv_ with correct layout
This policy paper was presented and explained to the members. The objective is that every WG member, based on their priorities and competence shall choose and decide which application area they would like to work in, and based on the feedbacks leaders and contributors shall be defined in each area.
The main objective of the Artificial intelligence WG is absolutely corresponding with the Digital Europe Programme published by the European Commission in 2019 (https://ec.europa.eu/digital-single-market/en/news/digital-europe-programme-proposed-eu92-billion-funding-2021-2027).
The programme will boost investments in supercomputing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, advanced digital skills, and ensuring a wide use of digital technologies across the economy and society. Its goal is to improve Europe’s competitiveness in the global digital economy and increase its technological autonomy.
In our WG we are concentrating on Artificial Intelligence, which is also a main field of the EU Programme. Within AI, our main target groups are SMEs- to enhance their AI knowledge, and support their competitiveness. This activity is harmonizing with the proposed 2nd Action, but it also contributes to Action 1, 3,5.
PBN’S role as WG Leader was already mentioned on the Interreg Europe Policy Platform where the conference on 18th October 2019 was also very much appreciated: https://www.interregeurope.eu/policylearning/news/6777/artificial-intelligence-as-a-driver-for-sme-competitiveness/?no_cache=1&cHash=0b02928cf006444babf4304c6a3043ff
Balazs Barta was interviewed for the Danube Region Strategy Newsletter, published by the government of Hungary. THe interview can be found here: DRS_hirlevel_FIN_EN_abstract
Planned Activities
At the moment 17 members from 8 Danube countries belong to the WG, but joining to the WG is still possible until the end of November 2019 in order to extend the scope of members of the WG with different target groups contributing to Action 1 which proposes to foster cooperation and exchange of knowledge between different sectors in areas where there is particular knowledge such as in innovation and technology transfer.
WG members are required to collect relevant policy makers on national and transnational level which also supports the level of cooperation between sectors contributing to Action 1 and Action 2.
Members
| Country | Institution | Contact person |
| Austria | Profactor GMBH | Christian Wögerer |
| Austria | Business Upper Austria | DI Eva Breuer |
| Bulgaria | ICT Cluster | Peter Statev |
| Croatia | Croatian Agency for SMEs, Innovations and Investments | Iva Milasincic |
| Czech Republic | CZECHINVEST | Jiri Krechl |
| Germany(Baden- Württemberg) | University of Applied Sciences Pforzheim | Bernhard Koelmel |
| Romania | SIVECO Romania | Monica Florea |
| Slovenia | University Novo Mesto | Borut Roncevic |
| Slovenia | Innovation Technology Cluster | Daniel Copot |
| Slovenia | University Maribor | Maja Sušec |
| Slovenia | Pomurje Technology Park | Marko Močnik |
| Slovenia | Slovenian Tool and die Development Center | Ales Hancic |
| Slovenia | Stajerski Tehnoloski Park (Styrian Technology Park) | Stajerski Tehnoloski Park (Styrian Technology Park) |
| Moldova | Center for Innovation and Policies in Moldova | Center for Innovation and Policies in Moldova |
| Moldova | Ministry of Economy and Infrastructure Information and Communication Technologies | Vitalie Tarlev |
| Moldova | Ministry of Economy and Infrastructure Information and Communication Technologies | Vitalie Tarlev |
In summer 2021 WG AI compiled a brochure with the support of EUSDR Hungarian National Coordination. You can download the brochure here PBN_ PA8_ AI WG brochure_ digital_ FV.
Contact
Balázs Barta
Pannon Business Network
Phone: +36 94 505 003
Email: balazs.barta@pbn.hu
