The project aims to enhance the capacity of Southern European University systems by fostering strategic collaborations with specialized research centers and foundations with expertise in digital policy. This initiative will focus on 3 critical areas: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, including Big Data, Cybersecurity and Data Protection, and Internet of Things (IoT), W3C, and Semantic Web. By integrating advanced knowledge and expertise from these partners, the project will promote the development of cutting-edge academic programs, research initiatives, and innovation ecosystems. The collaboration will also enable the transfer of best practices, provide access to state-of-the-art tools and methodologies, and strengthen Universities role in addressing digital transformation challenges.

The main objectives are:
1) Build Institutional and Regional Capacity: Enhance HEIs’ ability to lead innovation in AI, Big Data, Cybersecurity, and IoT by integrating these technologies into institutional strategies and fostering their adoption in local and regional ecosystems.

2) Foster Startup Development: Identify and support 35 startups in Southern Europe specializing in AI, Big Data, and Cybersecurity, focused on IoT and Semantic Web applications.

3)Enhance Collaboration: Establish strong, cross-regional partnerships between universities, research centers, business clusters, and NGOs to co-develop innovative solutions and share best practices in AI, Cybersecurity, and IoT.

4) Promote Sustainability: Ensure innovation practices incorporate ethical, gender and secure approaches to data usage, aligning with EU regulations on data protection and sustainable technology development.

5) Develop Deep Tech Talent: Provide advanced training and mentoring programs for more than 1000 students, of 188 non academic and 150 academic staff members, equipping them with skills in AI, Big Data, Cybersecurity, and IoT, and preparing them to address societal and industrial challenges.

6) Disseminate Knowledge and Best Practices: Use a digital platform to share success stories, case studies, and best practices in deploying AI, IoT, and Cybersecurity, ensuring the scalability and long-term impact of the project outcomes. The consortium brings together a diverse group of partners to maximize expertise and impact, including Universities: University of Málaga (Spain), University of Santarem (Portugal), University IUAV of Venice (Italy) and University of Zadar (Croatia) will lead educational programs, research, and student engagement. Innovation Hubs and Business Clusters: Málaga TechPark (Spain) and Harmonic Innovation Group (Italy) will connect HEIs with industry, enabling technology transfer and commercialization of Blue Growth innovations. NGOs: Circular Economy Foundation (Belgium) and Fenice Foundation (Italy) will provide expertise in sustainability and vocational training; a SME, PRIVACT P.C. (Greece), will share best practices on privacy and artificial intelligence.

Project coordinator

Javier Lopez, Professor, Universidad de Malaga (contact)