Abstract:

The digital transformation is the key to realizing Europe's growth potential, both regionally and at macro-regional level. In line with that background the purpose of the paper is to present a methodological approach for feasibility study and risk assessment of elaborated distributed digital scientific infrastructure (DDSI). In the context of the paper DDSI is defined as a dynamic research formation, which is managed collectively by the members of a research consortium and is operated as a shared facility of technologically and systemically related components that provide a research base, products and services.

The approach used for the research is based on expert evaluation of key characteristics of the development of elaborated digital scientific infrastructure. It includes defining of a clear vision of DDSI, outlining the core challenges and risks that the DDSI faces, analyzing the main threats, internal and external, that have influence on the DDSI’s feasibility, definition of the strategic directions of the structure in vertical and horizontal aspects, design of a risk assessment matrix that enables specific measures for avoiding the threats to be determined as a result.

The methodology is tested in real environment within the development of a scientific infrastructure project „Digital technological systems for the clean and secure environment – 5D ALLIANCE", elaborated by a research team of University of Ruse „Angel Кanchev", Bulgaria. The main objective of the project is the establishment of Distributed Digital Scientific Infrastructure (DDSI) with a potential for impact within the Danube Macro region (DMR) for the period 2019-2028, through advanced interdisciplinary research for intelligent, secure, environmental-friendly management of interconnected systems and their business applications to achieve a clean and secure environment in terms of shared responsibility for macro regional sustainable development.

The practical implications from utilizing the approach are identified through setting-up four main laboratories within the DDSI for implementing its strategic dimensions: I. Precise technologies for sustainable agriculture and clean and secure environment; II. Low carbon mobility and intelligent transport systems; III. Multi-modal human-machine interface and 3D kinematics in technological systems for a clean and secure environment and transnational projects; IV. Digital energy systems for a clean and secure environment. Also, three more horizontal dimensions are defined in order to support the other four main ones: Digital, layered, energy-assisted innovative technologies; Innovative business and educational models for sustainable development, clean and safe environment; Integrated intelligent security management systems to the developments in DDSI for a clean, safe environment, incl. system solutions for energy and information security.

Together with the definition of those main and horizontal dimensions, an original contribution could be found in the application the risk assessment matrix, which allows clear outlining of the risk areas, identification of the specific risks, the degree of vulnerability to the impact of risk, the probability of occurrence, the prevention and control measures that the partners should undertake. Findings and specific conclusions in the case of the scientific infrastructure project „Digital technological systems for the clean and secure environment – 5D ALLIANCE" are included in the paper.

Keywords:

Innovation, Research and Development, Innovation clusters.