Mittelstand 4.0-Kompetenzzentrum Bremen

Germany: Bremen

Overview

Mission/Objectives of the cluster organisation

The Mittelstand 4.0-Kompetenzzentrum Bremen is a non-profit entity that supports and promotes small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their digital transformation. The aim is to increase the level of digitalisation of SMEs through individual support measures. As one of 26 nationwide SME 4.0-Competence Centres, the Bremen centre bundles target group-specific offers, especially for SMEs, and provides expert contact persons. Due to funding from the Ministry of Economics, all offers are free of charge for SMEs. The aim is to increase digitalisation skills, especially for specialists and managers in the fields of digital platforms, new work, digital business models, assistance systems, artificial intelligence and sustainability.

The Mittelstand 4.0-Kompetenzzentrum Bremen is part of Mittelstand-Digital. With Mittelstand-Digital, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) supports digitalisation in small and medium-sized enterprises and the skilled trades.

Mittelstand-Digital informs small and medium-sized enterprises about the opportunities and challenges of digitalisation. The funded competence centres help with expert knowledge, demonstration centres, best practice examples as well as networks that serve to exchange experiences. The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy makes it possible to use all the services offered by Mittelstand-Digital free of charge. Digital technologies.

Sectors
Technology

Mittelstand 4.0 Competence Centre Ilmenau

Germany: Thuringia

Overview

Mission/Objectives of the cluster organisation

To smartly connect the strengths of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the region for mutual benefit, the focus of the Mittelstand 4.0 Competence Centre is on the interactive networking of employees, machines and processes. Especially cooperation between smaller companies to digitize business processes is supported. The aim is to set up these companies future-proof for the digital economy. In five model factories of the competence center, businessmen from medium-sized companies can familiarize with digital production solutions and try them out. In addition, the competence center supports companies through a variety of information events, workshops, projects and expert contacts. The entire offer of the competence center is free and supplier neutral. Digital technologies.

Sectors
Technology

MEDISDIH - Apulian Mechatronics Technological Cluster and Digital Innovation Hub

Italy: Apulia

Overview

Mission/Objectives of the cluster organisation

APULIAN MECHATRONICS TECHNOLOGICAL CLUSTER AND DIGITAL INNOVATION HUB A single structure integrating two ways of being protagonist of the industrial development of the territory On 05.02.2018 the Apulian Mechatronics Technological Cluster, today MEDISDIH S.c.ar.l., has adopted the mission of Regional Digital Innovation Hub.   HISTORY The no profit organization MEDISDIH S.c.ar.l. is the evolution of the Mechatronics Technological Cluster MEDIS S.c.ar.l. operating since already ten years on the Apulian territory in compliance with a memorandum of understanding jointly signed with Apulia Region. In the last decade, it has gained a relevant experience in the integration of innovative activities of large companies, SMEs, private research centres as well as Universities and public research centres for the development of mechatronics enabling technologies and their technological transfer to the territory. Mechatronics, born from the operational opportunity of integrating the multidisciplinary technologies of mechanics and electronics, continues creating integration opportunities of rapidly changing and multidisciplinary technologies. According to this, MEDISDIH continues to be strongly involved in the promotion of industrial product/process innovations integrating the recently achieved digital progress in order to support mechatronics technologies. MEDISDIH, by identifying I4.0 digital technologies as the key milestones for an effective industrial processes transformation to address the new territorial competitiveness needs, works to promote: I4.0 company organization based on digital tools for sharing information and supporting decisions; An evolved value chains concept of relationships between Dealers, OEMs and Tiers made possible by the new tools for sharing information between partner companies at different stages of the production process; New generation of products and services made possible by the high content of information of current products and their related components. MEDISDIH is a Digital Innovation Hub promoted by Confindustria and registered in the European catalogue of Digital Innovation Hubs. In February 2022 MEDISDIH (Coordinator), in response to the European restricted call DEP-DIGITAL-2021-EDIH-01 for the creation of an Initial Network of European Digital Innovation Hub (EDISs), jointly with MEDITECH Competence Centre, the Technological Districts (DT) DHITECH, DTA and DAC, and the Municipality of Taranto, applyed the EDIH application for the Apulian territory entitled "Apulian European Digital Innovation Hub - Ap-EDIH", recognized by the EU with the "Seal of Excellence" (SoE). Beside supporting the transfer of digital technologies to companies at any level of digital maturity, MEDISDIH is focussed on actively involving the relevant territorial actors in the main European, National and Regional digital innovation initiatives with particular reference to mechatronic and digital key enabling technologies for Robotics, Manufacturing, Health, Agri-food, Infrastructure and Security applications.   The Challenge MEDISDIH challenge is to implement knowledge and experience gained in the framework of projects coordinated by the Mechatronic Cluster (which have led to the digitalization of the production processes of several technologically advanced partner companies able to oversee global markets) in supporting manufacturing companies belonging to other industrial fields relevant for the territory, such as those of wood-furniture, footwear, clothing, the agro-food industry but also those of buildings and stone materials and coatings, etc., in operating a gradual digital transition at their measure. Doing so, MEDISDIH will also benefit from the experience gained in relationship with its Large Group member companies, which today delegate an ever-increasing number of activities to SMEs having a more effective business dimension to manage the development of specific high-tech product subsystems. This represents an important opportunity for local SMEs in terms of raising their products added value as well as their competitiveness. For this reason MEDISDIH intends to continue playing its role of intermediary between Apulian companies and large Industrial Groups, while sharing its decennial experience in the field of industrial processes and corporate organization gained from interactions with its Large Companies associated. In the process of supporting the transition of local SMEs to highly digitized industrial processes and company organization, MEDISDIH aims at maximize also the contribution of its Public Research Bodies partners as well as National Competence Centres to ensure that the digital innovations implemented by the companies of the territory could have the gaze already turned to those of the near future.   Activities/Services of MEDISDIH In line with the European strategy Digitizing European Industry, also adopted by Italian association Confindustria, MEDISDIH carries out its Digital Innovation Hub activities aimed at providing local companies with the following services to support the digitalisation of their own processes. Evaluation of digital maturity Development of the innovation ecosystem Market intelligence Training and education Supporting SMEs in the analysis of needs, opportunities and I4.0 technological options Brokerage Access to the specializations of Digital Competence Centres and technology clusters Support in conceiving and planning Industry 4.0 projects Access to public and private, national and European projects and funding Incubation and mentoring services Consulting on Industry 4.0 (intellectual property, tax, business modelling, evaluation of investment projects   MEDISDIH members MEDISDIH is a no profit organization constituted in the form of a limited liability consortium company between public and private partners able to comprehensively represent the Apulian innovation ecosystem. They include all the main universities of the region, public and private research centres, large industrial groups as well as large companies and local SMEs operating in highly technological industrial sectors. All MEDISDIH members are equipped with advanced laboratories in several mechatronics and digital fields of specialization of interest for the territory. With particular reference to the company members of MEDISDIH, these are at the forefront on the territory for the high level of digitalization of their organizational and production processes and represent virtuous models to be followed for other local companies. MEDISDIH refers to technical-scientific competences of its appropriately selected members in order to carry out its institutional activities including those of Digital Innovation Hub. With reference to innovation activities towards local companies, MEDISDIH members can also act as mentors for the implementation of digitized industrial processes. Public Members Polytechnic of Bari University of Bari CNR Private Members Confindustria Bari e Barletta-Andria-Trani Centro Ricerche Fiat S. C. per Azioni Marelli Europe S.p.A. Itel Telecomunicazioni S.r.l. MERMEC  S.p.A. MASMEC S.p.A. Centro Studi Componenti per Veicoli S.p.A. MAGNA PT S.p.A. FPT Industrial S.p.A. Exprivia S.p.A. MEDISDIH is continuously committed in creating opportunities for the involvement of regional companies, as well as potential stakeholders, in initiatives supporting the digitisation of industrial processes and the definition of industrial innovation projects. Digital technologies.

Sectors
Technology

MARCHE INNOVATION HUB

Italy: Marche

Overview

Mission/Objectives of the cluster organisation

MARCHE INNOVATION HUB is a NO-PROFIT company specialised in the provision of consultancy services, training and innovation support. It promotes a deep cultural intervention through a digital transition program in order to seize the opportunities offered by the Digital Single Market

Currently MARCHE INNOVATION HUB is composed by 3 representative business associations (CNA Ancona, CNA Marche, Compagnia delle Opere) plus PARSEC HUB, a European netwok of companies.

MARCHE INNOVATION HUB has an exclusive partnership for the provision of services on behalf of the mentioned associations and acts as a bridge between enterprises, research and development projects, also supporting companies in the identification and access to funding at national and European level.

MARCHE INNOVATION HUB follows companies through the digital transformation to help them fully understand its potential and risks, identify priority areas of intervention and to acquire the necessary know-how for the realization of technological innovation projects.

MARCHE INNOVATION HUB has a wide experience in:

analysis of the digital maturity level and the identification of needs;
understanding the opportunities and risks inherent the adoption of innovative technological solutions;
identification of priority areas of intervention to be transformed into projects digital transformation;
implementation and realization of projects with the partnership of professionals, companies and research institutes. Digital technologies.

Sectors
Technology

Manufacturing Technology Centre

Overview

Mission/Objectives of the cluster organisation

The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) is an Independent Research & Technology Organisation (RTO) with the objective of bridging the gap between academia and industry and inspire Great British Manufacturing.  . The MTC develops and proves innovative manufacturing processes and technologies in an agile, low risk environment, in partnership with industry, academia and other institutions. MTC operates of some of the most advanced manufacturing equipment in the world, and have a large number of high skilled engineers, many of whom are leading experts within their field of work. Digital technologies.

Sectors
Technology

Mälardalen Industrial Technology Center

Sweden: East-Central Sweden

Overview

Mission/Objectives of the cluster organisation

MITC was established in 2011 after the manufacturing industry of the Mälardalen region expressed a desire to work more structured and long-term focused with competence development and academic collaboration. A collaboration platform was set up consisting of Mälardalen University as the competence base. Today around 20 people from the University and industry are actively involved in MITCs operations. MITC is a not-for-profit organisation that provides services to industry, ranging from technology development and case studies to coaching programmes for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). In 2019, MITC established its Technology Center in Eskilstuna, which will further strengthen MITC as a catalyst for industrial renewal and change.

The aim of MITC is to establish the Mälardalen region as a competitive node for development, education and research in direct collaboration with the manufacturing industry. MITC has member companies, for example, Volvo Construction Equipment, Volvo GTO, GKN, Alfa Laval and Hexagon, and has over the years worked with over 150 SMEs, representing a large part of the region’s industrial base. Areas of focus for are manufacturing, industrialisation, and product development with digitalisation and sustainability as cross-sectional areas. Lately, particular focus has been on advanced robotics, cyber-physical systems and artificial intelligence.

The operational purpose of MITC is two-fold; firstly to efficiently and effectively plan, finance, coordinate and undertake development and research projects in close collaboration with industry and academia. Secondly, MITC runs a large variety of coaching and support actions towards SMEs. Activities are carried out in various large and small-scale projects funded by the EU, Vinnova, the Swedish Agency for Regional and Economic Growth, the Swedish Knowledge Foundation and the Regions of Sörmland and Örebro, in close alliance with other strong regional actors such as Robotdalen, Automation Region, Södertälje Science Park, Alfred Nobel Science Park as well as Örebro University and the Royal Institute for Technology. MITC has many years of experience running coaching and development programmes with SMEs. Several effective programmes have been developed in areas such as lean manufacturing, digitalisation, production development, and promotion of female leaders in industry. MITC also runs a long-term initiative, TransMission, supporting suppliers in the heavy vehicle industry in the transformation towards electric and autonomous vehicles.

The University’s strong research base in production systems, product development, AI, cyber-physical systems, robotics and embedded systems provides ample competence and resources to undertake innovative projects in close collaboration with representatives from the member companies and SMEs. Equipped with the latest digital technologies and networks, the Center hosts projects on, for example, advanced robotics for industrial applications, collaborative robotics, IoT, VR and AR, AI applications, digital twin.

  Digital technologies.

Sectors
Technology

MaDIH: Manufacturing Digital Innovation Hub

Spain: Madrid

Overview

Mission/Objectives of the cluster organisation

DESCRIPTION:

 

MaDiH as a non-profit organization is focused on providing support services for the digitisation of SMEs.

From this perspective, MaDiH aims at highlighting the importance of innovation by focusing on technologies that enable digital transformation and bring these technologies closer to the industrial sector, with special focus on the automotive industry, in order to increase the productivity of companies and generate new business models that increase the region's global competitiveness.

Starting from this premise, MaDIH will focus on technological competences considered particularly relevant to advance the implementation of the Smart Factory concept. The portfolio of services provided by MaDiH is structured around the following technologies:

Simulation and modelling,
Additive manufacturing,
Big Data,
Artificial intelligence and cognitive systems.  

The founding partners of MaDIH have a deep and expert knowledge of these technologies guaranteeing a high-quality service to companies interested in digital transformation.

MaDiH will promote a one-stop-shop approach in order to facilitate the adoption and use of technologies related to digital transformation, and also provides complementary aspects such as financing assessment and training activities to both SMEs and large companies from the Madrid Region. Its main objectives are to:

Decrease of uncertainties associated with the incorporation of new digital technologies.
Promote networking opportunities
Support for regional competitiveness.

In this sense, MaDiH will provide its ecosystem with access to the latest knowledge, experience and enabling technology in order to test and experiment digital innovations relevant to their products, processes or business models, as well as provide connections with investors, facilitate access to finance and help connect users and providers throughout the value chain. Digital technologies.

Sectors
Technology

Madeira Digital Innovation HUB

Portugal: Madeira

Overview

Mission/Objectives of the cluster organisation

The Madeira Digital Innovation HUB mission is to support the digital transformation process of the Madeira Island companies through a multi actor cooperation network.

This initiative is led by ACCIF-CCIM – Industrial and Commercial Association of Funchal - Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Madeira, which is a private and non-profit multisectoral Association, founded in 1836. ACCIF-CCIM has about 800 associated companies, from all sectors (commerce, industry, services and tourism) most of which are SME and is responsible for developing a variety of activities, in particular a wide range of business services, including information and support for businesses, vocational training, company missions, fairs, conferences, events, representation and defense of the interests of its members.

Madeira DIH will focus primarily in the following domains:

Tourism
Sea resources and technology
Agri-food
Smart city and mobility
Industry
Energy and water efficiency
Ecosystem and sustainability
Healthcare
Education and training

This multi actor network have complementary expertise offering solutions to companies namely:

Identifying business opportunities and support their implementation
Access to investors and financial institutions
Brokerage between companies and technological solutions suppliers
Knowledge and technology transfer from competence centres, R&D projects and solutions from other DIHs
Support job placements
Providing training on digital skills
Digital technologies.

Sectors
Technology

Made Different | Digital Wallonia

Belgium: Walloon Region

Overview

Mission/Objectives of the cluster organisation

The objective of the Made Different | Digital Wallonia is to provide the support needed to companies to transform their activities following the principles of industry 4.0, as promoted by the Region (Marshall Plan 4.0 and Digital Wallonia Strategy). Services offered correspond to the level of digital maturity of the enterprise. They cover awareness activities, diagnosis of digital maturity, definition of a transformation plan and its implementation. They also tackle needs for  scale-up, finance and innovation. This initiative is open to all sectors of the industry. Digital technologies.

Sectors
Technology

MADE - Manufacturing Academy of Denmark

Denmark: Capital (region)

Overview

Mission/Objectives of the cluster organisation

MADE – Manufacturing Academy of Denmark was launched as an independent association in 2014 by Danish companies, universities, RTOs, various associations and public and private funds. More than 140 members have now joined the association MADE, including 100 SMEs. MADE aims to facilitate the development of innovative world-class manufacturing solutions in Danish industry, enabling Denmark to compete globally and create employment within Denmark. MADE achieves its goals through the development of strategic partnerships between research institutes, RTOs and industry. MADE strives to support and strengthen the manufacturing industry in Denmark through the implementation of state-of-the-art manufacturing technology via applied industrial research projects, a range of various innovative activities throughout the year, and educational initiatives. MADE has two main platforms where industrial and academic partners work together: 1. MADE SPIR (Strategic Platform for Innovation and Research) which aims to develop and implement Advanced Manufacturing technologies and strengthen the Danish manufacturing ecosystem (suppliers, end user companies, research-focused and educational institutions) 2. MADE Digital which is a platform centered around research and innovation that aims at developing a Danish approach to Industry 4.0. An approach that retains a focus on the many SMEs in Denmark. MADE also aims at positioning and representing Denmark in international platform collaborations. This international representation is made possible through the successful cooperation that is already established nationally between the many partners in MADE. MADE is thus a one-stop shop for Danish and international companies and institutions that use MADE as bridge builder and matchmaker in various EU initiatives. MADE also uses the European network to identify new initiatives that match Danish interests, Danish research and innovation competencies and simultaneously creates strong links to industrial partners. Examples of MADE’s international collaborative engagements are: Horizon2020 and Eureka projects, The IMPACT Growth and I4MS Go-to-Market (SMEs+start-ups focus), Added Value Manufacturing KIC and International associations and networks such as EFFRA, Automation valley (Nürnberg), and North Production R&I Forum Digital technologies.

Sectors
Technology