The European SMEs 2020/21 report concluded that a major challenge for SMEs was skills, training and innovation, following this report The European Commission’s Digital Decade framework established a network of European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) to address these critical regional challenges, and to enhance SMEs’ access to digital skills and innovation resources. This longitudinal PhD study investigates the strategic choices of EDIH Top Managers and their impact on regional innovation ecosystems. Building on Strategy-as-Practice (SAP) theories, this research examines the interplay between strategic activities and the creation of new artifacts, including technologies, policies, and skills. Through a mixed-methods approach, the study explores the influence of strategic choices on innovation ecosystems’ performance and policy outcomes, aligned with Strategy-as-Practice (SAP) and leveraging participatory research methodologies through the EDIH network. The research focuses on understanding the interplay between strategic activities, actor decisions, and the resulting artifacts within regional ecosystems. By leveraging the EU’s EDIH network as a research context, this study aims to unearth how strategic practices influence regional performance metrics and contribute to broader digital transformation goals. Initial findings suggest that collaboration, supported by distributed agency and strategic alliances, fosters innovation and resource sharing. These dynamics are further influenced by contextual factors such as regional policies and the EU’s innovation ecosystem. This research contributes to theoretical discussions on SAP and innovation management while providing actionable insights for policymakers and regional stakeholders. The ultimate goal is to develop a framework that enhances strategic decision-making and accelerates the deployment of innovative technologies, fostering competitive advantage across European regions.
