09 December 2024 // 09:30 a.m. – 01:30 p.m. (EET, UTC+2)

Rebuilding Ukraine: new opportunities through digital transformation – Part 1

In a time of change and challenges due to the Russian war of aggression, it is crucial that Ukrainian companies are given the necessary tools and knowledge to successfully reorient and rebuild themselves. At the same time, reconstruction also offers the opportunity for digitalization right from the start. With the help of digital technologies, small and medium-sized manufacturing companies in Ukraine can be driven forward and thus support the survival and reconstruction of the local economy after the war.

Companies are receiving support from the European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs), which are part of the EU’s Digital Europe program. The EDIHs are non-profit organizations that support companies in their digital transformation.

In the first online session on 09.12.2024, which will be hybrid, part of the official launch event (on-site) for the establishment of the Eastern Ukrainian EDIH, we will introduce companies to the newly founded EDIH in Kharkiv, report on the Fraunhofer IFF’s transfer study Relevant Technology Scenarios for digital Transformation in Ukraine and discuss the potential and the opportunities of digitalization.

(You can find a preview of the second session here.)

Use this opportunity to exchange ideas with experts and like-minded people, gain valuable insights and expand your network. Together we can overcome the challenges and set the course for a successful future.

(The participation is free of charge)

Agenda – Monday, 09 December 2024

( subject to change)

Please note that the times shown on the website are Eastern European Times (EET, UTC+2).
The Eastern European Time is one hour ahead of the Central European Time!

09:00 a.m.

Arrival and Check in (only on site)

09:30 a.m.

Words of Welcome & introduction

Yehor Pyvovarov, Policy Officer, Research & Innovation, DG RTD, European Commission

Dr. Niclas Rueffer, Project Director, international cooperation programme Digital Transformation of SME in Eastern Partnership countries, GIZ

N.N., Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine

Kay Matzner, Project Director „Enabling Kharkiv EDIH“, Fraunhofer-Institute for Factory Operation and Automation IFF

09:50 a.m.

European Digital Innovation Hub of the Eastern Ukraine

Olga Shapoval, Executive Director of Kharkiv IT Cluster, Coordinator of Kharkiv EDIH consortium

10:00 a.m.

Rebuilding Kharkiv by transfering advanced manufacturing technologies: The Power of Digital Innovation for Recovery

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Tina Haase, Department of Human-Centered Systems, Manager, Fraunhofer Institute for Factory Operation and Automation IFF

This presentation will examine how digital transformation can serve as a catalyst for the recovery of Kharkiv’s manufacturing sector, severely impacted by war. It will highlight the region’s resilience and potential for growth through the adoption of advanced technologies. By showcasing key case studies and strategic approaches, we’ll illustrate how digital innovations can strengthen operational efficiency and drive long-term economic stability in Kharkiv.

10:20 a.m.

Impuls statement: Digitalization – what level of digital maturity does your company actually have?

Raimund Klein, CEO, International Centre for Industrial Transformation (INCIT)

10:30 a.m.

Panel discussion: Digitalization – seizing the potential and opportunity – for a future-oriented reconstruction

Nowadays, it is no longer necessary to explain why a smart factory makes sense: Increased efficiency, flexibility, data analysis and sustainability are just some of the buzzwords that stand for a smart factory.

For reconstruction in particular, digital technologies enable production capacities to be restored more quickly and efficiently. This can be crucial to quickly relaunch the economy. The use of modern technologies can help Ukrainian companies to remain competitive, especially in the international market. This is particularly important for attracting investors and opening up export opportunities. In addition, digital technologies offer the possibility to react more flexibly to future challenges and crises. This is particularly relevant at a time of geopolitical uncertainty. Overall, the targeted use of digital technologies in reconstruction is not only a necessity for Ukrainian companies, but also an opportunity to build a modern and sustainable economy.

The panel will discuss these topics and offer participants plenty of room for questions!

Kay Matzner,
Moderation

Raimund Klein,
CEO, INCIT

Agnes Löhner,
Digital Enterprise Specialist, Domain Lead IT/OT, Siemens Industry Software GmbH

Dr. Niclas Rueffer, Project Director, international cooperation programme Digital Transformation of SME in Eastern Partnership countries, GIZ

Dr. José Saenz,
Robot Systems, Group Manager Assistance, Service and Industrial Robots, Fraunhofer IFF

Alexandre Yurchak
Head of Ukrainian Cluster Alliance / CEO of Association of Industrial Automation of Ukraine

11:30 a.m.

Let’s have a short break…

12:00 noon

Panel discussion: Challenges of Digital Transformation in Eastern Ukraine

Olga Shapoval, Executive Director of Kharkiv IT Cluster (Moderator)

Panelists:

Oleh Mashkov, Founder and CEO of Verna
Oleksandr Tymofeyev, Head of the enterprise „Khimprom“
Dmytro Davidyants, Director of Municipal Enterprise „Office of Reforms“
Andriy Dorozhko, Chief Digital Transformation Officer (CDTO) of Kharkiv Region
Representative of UNDP (United Nations Development Programme)
Oleksiy Radchenko, Founder of LLC „Transparent Solutions“

01:00 p.m.

The European Digital Innovation Hub and its services

Dr. Lina Smovziuk, International Project and Programme Manager, National Aerospace University “KhAI”

01:15 p.m.

Summary and closing remarks