Digital Innovation Hub Slovenia strengthens links between research and industry in NextTechTalents
As part of the NextTechTalents project, Digital Innovation Hub Slovenia (DIH Slovenia) plays an important role in connecting academic research with industry, innovation ecosystems, and policy frameworks. By building bridges between research organisations, companies, and public stakeholders, DIH Slovenia contributes to more relevant career pathways for early-stage researchers in Deep Tech fields.
Digital transformation is not only about deploying advanced technologies, but also about developing the right skills, mindsets, and support structures. Drawing on its experience within the European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) network, DIH Slovenia supports organisations and individuals in navigating complex technological and labour market transitions.
From technology to people-centred innovation
DIH Slovenia supports digital and green transition by providing access to expertise, testing environments, training, and innovation advisory services. Its activities cover key areas such as artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, cybersecurity, data-driven innovation, and emerging digital technologies.
At the same time, the hub places strong emphasis on human capital. Through close cooperation with universities, research centres, SMEs, large companies, and policy makers, DIH Slovenia fosters environments where research results can be translated into practical applications and where talents can develop skills aligned with real-world needs.
DIH Slovenia’s role in NextTechTalents
Within the NextTechTalents project, DIH Slovenia contributes to the development of training modules, competence frameworks, and career development tools. Its role is to ensure that learning content reflects labour market demands and supports early-stage researchers in transitioning between academic and non-academic careers.
The hub actively engages with industry representatives and innovation stakeholders to identify skill gaps, emerging competence needs, and barriers faced by young researchers entering the labour market. Particular attention is given to transversal skills such as entrepreneurship, innovation management, cybersecurity awareness, data literacy, and systems thinking.
By bringing together perspectives from research, industry, and innovation support organisations, DIH Slovenia helps ensure that talent development in NextTechTalents is both future-oriented and grounded in real economic and societal needs.
In addition, DIH Slovenia contributes to policy-oriented discussions within the project, including reflections linked to the European Research Area and the development of frameworks such as the European Researcher Charter. Its involvement ensures that policy recommendations are informed by practical experience and aligned with the realities of digital transformation.
“Supporting early-stage researchers requires more than technical excellence – it requires ecosystems that enable skills development, cross-sectoral mobility, and real-world impact.”
Digital Innovation Hub Slovenia
Through its participation in NextTechTalents, DIH Slovenia strengthens its role as a connector between research, innovation, and society. The collaboration contributes to a more inclusive, resilient, and future-ready European talent ecosystem, enabling researchers to thrive across sectors and borders.
Links
Webpage: https://dihslovenia.si/
Linkedin: DIH Slovenije|LinkedIn
Keywords
Digital innovation hub, NextTechTalents, early-stage researchers, deep tech skills, digital transformation, research careers, innovation ecosystems, European Research Area
