I4MS 2015: Enhancing digital transformation in manufacturing SMEs

I4MS 2015 will explore the progress achieved by the I4MS initiative and the impact participation has had on SMEs.

To date I4MS has achieved over 80% industrial participation. An initial participation of 80 SMEs has now grown to 150 as momentum continues to build. Success is also evident with SME participation in projects leading to the adaption of new technologies and approaches. I4MS phase two will take this success further through additional projects supported by a budget of approximately EUR 35 Mn.

At I4MS 2015 participating SMEs will present their experiences, results achieved and impact made. They will explain how they have benefited and what the adaption of innovative ICT has meant for their business. European support does not just exist at EU level.

Action at regional level supported through programmes such as Smart Specialisation present the good opportunity to reach out to and involve the diverse landscape of European SMEs. At I4MS 2015 participants will be introduced to a new activity designed for such outreach – digital innovation competence centres – and an outlook towards the next stage of I4MS.

I4MS is a EUR 77 Mn initiative of the ‘Factories of the Future’ partnership designed to support the adaption of innovative ICT by SMEs. Through seven integrated projects in four key areas, I4MS brings manufacturing SMEs directly into research and innovation projects, introducing them to innovative technologies and supporting the adoption of such technologies.