Kohesio: discover EU projects in your region

project info
Start date: 1 September 2024
End date: 31 August 2027
funding
Fund: European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Total budget: 900 000,00 €
EU contribution: 360 000,00 € (40%)
programme
Programming period: 2021-2027
European Commission Topic
European Commission Topic

Development of a sustainable digital info desk VIVES

At our campuses in Kortrijk and Bruges, we want to invest in demo setups where companies can immediately observe what the possibilities are. We want to inspire Flemish companies to undergo an accelerated digital and technological transformation by allowing them to experiment with applications in, among others, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain technology and digital support of business processes. Businesses and SMEs in particular are lagging behind in the digitalisation process. Knowledge institutions such as VIVES University of Applied Sciences can help with this by focusing on practice-oriented research that looks at how existing digital technology can be used efficiently in different sectors. But it is often not clear to companies how they can work with the output of this research. The technology and the associated opportunities are growing rapidly, so the challenge of actually using digital technology or deploying it in proprietary innovation is often a difficult step to take. Through the development of a sustainable digital innovation info point, we want to demonstrate the possibilities to companies in an easily accessible way. The intended demonstration space will be designed as a dynamic environment for the valorisation of research projects, using state-of-the-art digital solutions. These solutions are driven by a flexible content management system, allowing us to regularly adjust the context to effectively present new research projects. Our audiovisual materials include kiosks with integrated touchscreens. These interactive kiosks offer visitors the opportunity to get in direct contact with the technologies presented. Through links to powerful computer systems, the kiosks can run various applications. An integrated audio system enriches the visitor experience. A central element in the demonstration rooms is the 360 degree immersive space, where simulations of various research projects are projected on all walls. Visualizing and demonstrating a digital innovation for a company is crucial to convince stakeholders, gather feedback and increase understanding. We will use storyboard or user journey mapping to illustrate the different steps and touchpoints. We develop wireframes and prototypes to show the user interface. Prototypes can contain interactive elements, which provides a more hands-on experience. Demo videos can show the main features and benefits of the innovation. Through the visualization of data and results after implementation, we can better illustrate the impact. The info point is the place from which outreach is also carried out to companies, there is no one-on-one guidance provided but companies are actively approached to visit the info point.

Flag of Belgium  Multiple locations, Belgium