The third category of the European Enterprise Promotion Awards (EEPA) 2024 celebrates entries that support the digital transition of enterprises. With the digital transition being a key policy objective of the European Union, digitalisation enables start-ups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to develop, market, and use digital technologies, products, and services of any kind. 

From 442 entries across 29 countries, the following national winners of this category have progressed to the European level of the awards due to their key role in supporting the digital transition, with the overall winner to be unveiled at the SME Assembly in Budapest (18-20 November 2024).

Austria: EdTech Austria (EDTA) 

EdTech Austria (EDTA) is a long-term initiative designed to establish a robust network supporting providers of digital educational technologies in Austria. EDTA brings together providers, educational institutions, researchers, and policymakers to foster collaboration and innovation in the educational technology space. With 150 EdTech members, five community projects, and three major summits, the initiative has leveraged digital technologies to transform and advance the digital transition in the educational sector, while boosting jobs and supporting innovative SMEs.

Hungary: VOSZPort, the digital compass and dashboard for enterprises 

VOSZPort offers a single package for SMEs in Hungary that contains all the solutions small enterprises need to kickstart their digital transition. The "control panel" integrates functions such as invoicing, tracking banking solutions, e-signatures, and employment records in one place, to support the smooth everyday functioning of businesses. VOSZPort also contains a marketplace for businesses to identify various digital management software to simplify, streamline, and support how businesses operate—advancing the digital transition and encouraging a healthy start-up environment.

Luxembourg: SME Packages - Digital 

The SME Packages - Digital is a strategic programme launched to bolster the competitiveness of small and medium enterprises in Luxembourg, which make up 95% of the country's active businesses. The initiative provides tailored digital solutions in areas such as digital marketing, organisational management, and invoicing, connecting businesses to accredited private service providers. Since its inception, the project has implemented over 800 packages, enhancing the digital capabilities and reach of SMEs. The programme is core to ensuring SMEs can experience sustainable growth and bolster their competitive edge.

Malta: DiHubMT (Malta’s European Digital Innovation Hub) 

DiHubMT provides businesses with a "one-stop-shop" offering tailored support, mentorship, and funding opportunities to empower businesses to embrace digital transformation. The project aims to establish a strong digital community in which technologies are adopted and partnerships with stakeholders in the international business landscape are created and nurtured. DiHubMT is advancing Malta's digital economy while ensuring a business ecosystem in which SMEs can grow, thrive, and succeed.

Poland: Bezgotówkowe Kino Objazdowe (Cashless Mobile Cinema) 

To promote culture and digital finance education in smaller towns, the Polska Bezgotówkowa Foundation launched the "Cashless Mobile Cinema" event, which has visited 110 towns across Poland to date. The Mobile Cinema provides entertainment by showcasing the latest films but also aims to improve the digital and financial competencies of local communities and expand cashless payments, benefitting local businesses. The event includes educational videos on finance and supports small businesses as they adopt digital and cashless technologies into their operations.

Portugal: Selos de Certificação de Maturidade Digital (SMD) 

The Digital Maturity Certification Seals (SMD) was launched in 2021 under the Portuguese Presidency of the European Union and funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR). In collaboration with key national entities, the project establishes a structured certification process for SMEs to enhance their competitiveness and digital presence, adhering to best practices from across Europe. The initiative aims to certify 15,000 entities during the PRR period, assessing four pillars: Sustainability, Cybersecurity, Accessibility, and Privacy and Personal Data Protection. The goal is to promote the digital transformation of the Portuguese economy, making SMEs more competitive, efficient, and consumer-focused by addressing their unique challenges in digital capability.

Serbia: OSNAŽENE (Empowered) 

OsnaŽene is the first digital platform for women's business in Serbia and the region, connecting over 1,500 female entrepreneurs from nine countries. The initiative provides opportunities for education and networking, offering resources through micro-sites for women entrepreneurs to sustain and grow their small businesses. The initiative empowers women to take control of their personal and business lives by equipping them with crucial business skills, while contributing to the social development of both Serbia and the entire region.

Slovakia: SmartBooks 

SmartBooks is a web application that has been supporting primary school students and teachers across Slovakia since 2016. The app contains books on all subjects and educational grades, complementing the current educational process by providing a concise textbook that addresses knowledge gaps and leads students to a complete education. The programme also allows parents to monitor their children's progress, enables teachers to assign homework, and has helped pupils boost their grades. Implemented in over 800 schools and supporting 20,000 teachers in Slovakia, SmartBooks demonstrates the benefits of embracing the digital transition in education.

Spain: Todo está en Madrid (Everything is in Madrid) 

The "Everything in Madrid" programme, launched by the Madrid City Council, has digitised and compiled the city's commercial and hospitality offerings. The programme provides a digital space for small and medium enterprises, easily accessible to citizens and tourists alike, to expand SME visibility both online and offline. The project leverages digital technologies to enhance the commercial viability of small businesses across Madrid.

Good luck to all the contestants at the European stage of the competition. We are looking forward to the awards ceremony where we will find out the overall winner of the third category! 

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