EuroHPC-prosjekt EUROCC, National Competence Centres in the framework of EuroHPC

The objectives of the EuroCC project is the establishment, and operation of National Competence Centres (NCCs) for high performance computing (HPC) in the EuroHPC JU Participating States. The NCCs shall connect to a network of hubs to provide access to leading-edge HPC technology and knowledge, tailored to the stakeholders´ specific needs, and in line with every individual country´s current level of maturity in HPC. The assessment of these varying levels, and the resulting prioritization of requirements of all stakeholders (academia, public administration and industry), are the key drivers of the setup of the NCC. Central goal of the established NCCs, is to represent national focal points providing HPC related support in training, technical expertise, access to HPC resources, consulting services and coordination at the national level and in the context of European initiatives. Project summary The NCCs shall contribute by providing expertise and coordination services. Main activities: The set-up of a framework to run the NCC, including the implementation of a governance structure. The identification and coordination of necessary services to fulfil the requirements of the stakeholders´, also at a European level in collaboration with other NCCs. The identification and coordination of available competences in the respective nation in the area of HPC, HPDA and AI. The set-up of a framework (concepts, mechanisms, gap identification) for training users in the different technologies and alignment across Europe. The set-up of a framework for interaction and tailored support of the national industry, including SMEs (concepts, mechanisms, gap identification), public sector and academia. Integration of existing competences, expertise, tools, offers into the service portfolio of the NCC. Awareness raising and outreach on the benefits of HPC to potential user industries, including SMEs. Outcomes and impacts: Contribution to the realization of the EuroHPC JU overall and specific objectives. Promoting the use of HPC at national level by identifying relevant users and matching their needs with the available expertise in the HPC Competence Centres. Effective establishment of a wide range of HPC services (as referred to in the scope of this objective). Provision of leading-edge, innovative solutions for targeted regional/national industries/ applications. Provision of support to interested end users that are/will use HPC and HPDA in their daily business.

Contribution towards the realisation of the EuroHPC objectives through collaboration with other national competence centres, training, dissemination, knowledge transfer, as well as direct projects with industry. - Contribution to the European collaboration and growth by use and adoption of digital technologies by presenting at national conferences held by collaborating NCCs in EU. - Promotions of the possibilities and upsides of HPC and associated technologies at the national level by identifying relevant users and matching their needs through webinars, training, dissemination and conferences. Focus was put on direct projects with industry within agriculture, process industry, marine industry, financial and disaster prevention. - Promotions of digitalisation and use of HPC and associated technologies by hosting a conference tailored for industry. Also by attending conferences with respective audience.

The NCCs shall contribute by providing expertise and coordination services. Main activities: • The set-up of a framework to run the NCC, including the implementation of a governance structure • The identification and coordination of necessary services to fulfil the requirements of the stakeholders, also at a European level in collaboration with other NCCs • The identification and coordination of available competences in the respective nation in the area of HPC, HPDA and AI • The set-up of a framework (concepts, mechanisms, gap identification) for training of users in the different technologies and alignment across Europe • The set-up of a framework for interaction and tailored support of the national industry, including SMEs (concepts, mechanisms, gap identification), public sector and academia. • Integration of existing competences, expertise, tools, offers into the service portfolio of the NCC • Awareness raising and outreach on the benefits of HPC to potential user industries, including SMEs.