On Wednesday, December 7, the conference “Region of the Future – The Future of the Region” took place in Košice, organized by the Košice IT Valley association on the occasion of its 15th anniversary. The conference showcased successful initiatives focused on human resource development, regional growth, and the innovation ecosystem in Eastern Slovakia. Panel discussions addressed the formulation of a vision for further economic development of the region and explored questions such as how to increase regional competitiveness, how to prevent brain drain, and how to respond to disruptive global changes that affect us as well.
The Technical University of Košice (TUKE) had an active presence at the conference—not only among attendees but also among the panelists. The university’s rector, Dr.h.c. Prof. Ing. Stanislav Kmeť, DrSc., participated in a panel dedicated to the topic “Skills of the Future,” where the discussion focused on the types of skills that will be necessary for success in the labor market, particularly in relation to the region.
The conference also included the official kick-off of the EDIH CASSOVIUM project, in which TUKE serves as the coordinator of the consortium, alongside its partners Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice and Košice IT Valley. The project is organized under the auspices of UVP TECHNICOM. The project was presented on behalf of TUKE by Ing. Viliam Fedák.
EDIH CASSOVIUM is the first systemic solution aimed at supporting the digitalization of small and medium-sized enterprises and public institutions in the Eastern Slovakia region. Its goal is to enhance their competitiveness and efficiency through the innovative use of digital technologies.
As a European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH), it will assist companies and public sector organizations in launching their digital transformation processes, utilizing key technological solutions in areas such as artificial intelligence, Industry 4.0, cybersecurity, and more. It will also play a significant role in developing high-tech skills aligned with the demands of the digital and green economy.
Another important goal is to help companies and public institutions secure funding for their digital innovations, create a supportive incubation environment to accelerate high-tech start-ups, and promote the development of a regional digital innovation ecosystem, engaging local, regional, national, and European stakeholders in the field of digital transformation.
These services will be supported by active involvement in the pan-European EDIH network and close collaboration with other networks such as EEN, Startup Europe, and others.
The project is funded by the Digital Europe Programme and the Recovery and Resilience Plan.
