From Innovation to Impact: Case Studies of EDIH Adria TBI Projects

The European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) Adria fosters digital transformation in the Adriatic region by promoting advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and high-performance computing. Through its “Test Before Invest” (TBI) service, organizations can test tailored solutions for their challenges before making full-scale investments, minimizing risks and encouraging innovation. Key partners, including the University of Rijeka, Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, Ericsson Nikola Tesla, Rijeka Development Agency Porin d.o.o., and STEPRI, support EDIH Adria in bridging research and practical applications. This paper highlights the project's goals and impact through practical TBI case studies. Uniline, a tourism company, implemented a large language model (LLM) to optimize email prioritization and communication workflows. The City of Kastav used an LLM-based system to improve efficiency in evaluating funding applications. Šolta Municipality applied computer vision to detect illegal construction, aiding urban planning. The City of Vodnjan leveraged similar technology to monitor unauthorized construction, vegetation coverage, and illegal waste disposal. By connecting science and industry, EDIH Adria demonstrates how digital innovation solves real-world challenges, enhances competitiveness, and drives sustainable development in the Adriatic region.