Strengthening SME capacity to engage in Industry 4.0

Programme 2014 - 2020 Interreg Europe

Date of latest update: 2023-12-02

Description

Description (EN):

Industry 4.0 (I4.0) is taking off across Europe. Regions are keen to ensure that their strategies are coherent with this new line of integrated, digital development. They must also ensure that SMEs, the heart and soul of regional economies, are involved and that they benefit from it. This is not only technological R&D. It is about cultural mind-set, preparation and qualifications. 40Ready promotes cooperation at interregional level to reach anoverall aim: to prepare SMEs for the I4.0 revolution. With SMEs, we refer to entrepreneurs, owners, managers and staff at all levels, who need to become ready to take on the new challenges of I4.0. European social funding (ESF) can support vocational and professional capacity building. European regional development funding (ERDF) can support technological, organisational and skill development. Improvements to these policies could go far to ensuring that SMEs, and people working for them, are able to embrace and benefit from industrial digitalisation and automation. 40Ready partners and stakeholders cooperate to understand SMEs’ skill and digital maturity needs and what policy makers can do with policy instruments to address these needs. They develop an Action Plan, with proposals on how ESF/ERDF policies can better support SMEs in preparing for I4.0. Partners and selected stakeholders implement and monitor the Action Plan, starting in project Phase 1, leading into Phase 2. Policy improvements range from funding projects on I4.0 skills and digital maturity, to management approaches that create synergy between policy instruments, to strategies that integrate both I4.0 and the SME skill focus. Partners are Managing Authorities or Implementing Bodies of selected policies: they have the power to make real change. 40Ready regions will become better placed for a successful, durable and profitable application of I4.0. They will support their SMEs to become more competitive, while maintaining and creating more and better jobs.

Achievements (EN):

In terms of activities, the project has organised a total of 72 policy learning events. It has also identified 12 good practices, produced 7 action plans and led to the increased capacity of 50 people. In terms of results, the project has succeeded in improving 7 regional development policies for a total amount of funds influenced of EUR 1,285,947. 82.

Website: https://www.interregeurope.eu/interreg-europe-2014-2020

Expected Results (EN):

40Ready has the overall objective to prepare SMEs, the backbone of our economy, for the industry 4.0 (I4.0) revolution. With “SMEs”, we refer to people: entrepreneurs, owners, managers and staff at all levels, who need to become ready to take on the new challenges of I4.0. In order to see real regional growth thanks to I4.0, SMEs need policy instruments that support them in this technological, cultural and organisational transformation. At regional level, two funding streams have the greatest potential to support them: European Social Funding (ESF) can support vocational and professional capacity building and European Regional Development Funding (ERDF) can support technological and organisational development. Improvements to these individual instruments and to synergies between them could go a long way to ensuring that our SMEs, and all the people working for them, are able to embrace, strengthen and benefit from the digitalisation and automation of industry. Such improvements could turn potential risks of a digital economy into an opportunity for all. In this context and in order to achieve the overall project goal, 40Ready partners cooperate at interregional level to reach the following sub-objectives: 1) to understand the needs of SMEs, and the various people working within them, in terms of adaptation to I4.0; 2) to understand what has been done at regional level to address these needs. This concerns an analysis and evaluation of the success and impact of policy measures undertaken to support regional transformation towards I4.0 (identifying weaknesses to be addressed and good practices to share); 3) to develop (Phase 1) a comprehensive Action Plan, in various stages and based on interregional and regional exchange, which defines a proposal for policies (ESF and/or ERDF) that can support SMEs in their preparation for I4.0 and implement it with regional resources (in Phase 1 where possible to ensure an influence on 2014-20 policy instruments and in Phase 2).

Expected Outputs (EN):

To achieve the overall objective of preparing SMEs to engage in I4.0, 40Ready works towards outputs in each step of project activity. The first is the Methodological Document for interregional policy learning, followed by outputs for each step: • Step 1: 7 overviews of skill and digital maturity needs for I4.0, gathering input from beneficiaries in each region and undergoing interregional comparison; • Step 2: 7 Policy Needs and Policy Success analyses, gathering results of a consultative evaluation of policy initiatives and projects from each region. This also leads to Good Practice (GP) identification (expected at least 14 GPs); • Step 3: 7 regional Action Plans for improved policy to support SME capacity to adapt to I4.0, designed and approved in Phase 1, implemented (with regional funding) and monitored in Phase 2 (and already in Phase 1, where possible). These outputs are made possible thanks to: • 7 physical interregional learning events (6 in Phase 1, 1 in Phase 2) and 6 virtual events; • Creation of 1 stakeholder group per policy instrument (total 7), each meeting for a workshop at least once per semester in Phase 1 (total 35 workshops); • 1 physical GP exchange session, supported by virtual sessions and document exchange. They are flanked by communication and management related outputs: • 1 project Communication Plan and 7 regional level plans, which will be implemented throughout the project based on various communication measures, including media appearances (total 70 at project level); • 1 set of project level Communication Tools, including webpage, social media, poster, collaboration network; • 1 High-Level political dissemination event (Phase 2); • 1 project Subsidy Contract and 1 Partnership Agreement (with relative annexes); • 7 Steering Group meetings (6 in Phase 1, 1 in Phase 2), including participative evaluation sessions; • 6 progress reports (5 in Phase 1, 1 in Phase 2). Thanks to these outputs, 40Ready aspires to the following short -term results (in addition to indicators in section C.6.2): • Greater awareness among regional stakeholders and wider public on the concept, benefits and practical implications of I4.0 in SMEs; • 7 policy instruments improved thanks to insertion of measures to support the capacity of SMEs staff, managers and owners to adapt to and embrace the I4.0 revolution; • Better-targeted public funding, thanks to better and more synergic use of ESF/ERDF ROP funding (see C.6.2 for estimated amount) through measures based on an analysis of real SME skill needs and an assessment of concrete policy improvements needs. Mid to long-term results fit into the overall objective: 40Ready regions should become better placed for a successful, durable and profitable application of I4.0 in their economic structure. Regions that improve policy instruments thanks to 40Ready will support their SMEs to become more competitive in their processes and products, while maintaining and creating more and better jobs.

Thematic information

Regional planning and development SME and entrepreneurship

Specific Objective: Improve the implementation of regional development policies and programmes, in particular programmes for Investment for Growth and Jobs and, where relevant, ETC programmes, supporting SMEs in all stages of their life cycle to develop and achieve growth and engage in innovation

Thematic Objective: (03) enhancing the competitiveness of SMEs by:

Investment Priority: (03d) supporting the capacity of SMEs to grow in regional, national and international markets, and to engage in innovation processes

Partners (8)

Lead Partner: Agenzia per lo Sviluppo Empolese Valdelsa SpA

Department: Research, Innovation and Territorial Cooperation Project Unit / Professional Training Unit

Address: Via delle Fiascaie 12, 50053 Empoli, Italy

Legal status: public

Website: http://www.asev.it

Total budget: EUR 433 590.00

ERDF budget: EUR 368 551.50

Regione Toscana

Name: Regione Toscana

Department: Vocational Training and Education Department

Address: PIAZZA DELL'UNITA' ITALIANA, 50123 Florence, Italy

Legal status: public

Website: http://www.regione.toscana.it

Total budget: EUR 82 227.00

ERDF budget: EUR 69 892.95

ORGANISMULUI INTERMEDIAR REGIONAL PENTRU PROGRAME EUROPENE CAPITAL UMAN - REGIUNEA BUCUREȘTI - ILFOV

Name: ORGANISMULUI INTERMEDIAR REGIONAL PENTRU PROGRAME EUROPENE CAPITAL UMAN - REGIUNEA BUCUREȘTI - ILFOV

Department: N/A

Address: Carol I Blvd., no. 34-36, 11th floor, district 2, 20922 Bucharest, Romania

Legal status: public

Website: https://www.oirbi.ro/

Total budget: EUR 111 047.00

ERDF budget: EUR 94 389.95

Europos socialinio fondo agentūra

Name: Europos socialinio fondo agentūra

Address: Gynėjų str. 16, 1109 Vilnius, Lithuania

Legal status: public

Website: http://www.esf.lt

Total budget: EUR 125 945.00

ERDF budget: EUR 107 053.25

Urząd Marszałkowski Województwa Śląskiego

Name: Urząd Marszałkowski Województwa Śląskiego

Address: ul. Ligonia 46, 40037 Katowice, Poland

Legal status: public

Website: http://ris.slaskie.pl

Total budget: EUR 130 730.00

ERDF budget: EUR 111 120.50

Uudenmaan liitto

Name: Uudenmaan liitto

Department: Regional Development

Address: Esterinportti 2 B, 240 Helsinki, Finland

Legal status: public

Website: http://www.uudenmaanliitto.fi/en

Total budget: EUR 164 875.00

ERDF budget: EUR 140 143.75

Gobierno de Navarra

Name: Gobierno de Navarra

Department: Department of Economic Development / Service of Industrial Promotion / Unit of Industry 4.0 Promotion

Address: Parque Tomás Caballero 1-6ª, 31005 Pamplona, Spain

Legal status: public

Website (not verified): http://www.navarra.es/home_es/Gobierno+de+Navarra/Vicepresidencia+Desarrollo+Economico/

Total budget: EUR 180 877.00

ERDF budget: EUR 153 745.45

Service Public de Wallonie

Name: Service Public de Wallonie

Department: SPW EER- Department of Employment and vocational training

Address: Place de la Wallonie, 1, 5100 Namur, Belgium

Legal status: public

Website: http://emploi.wallonie.be/home.html

Total budget: EUR 201 050.00

ERDF budget: EUR 170 892.50

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Tuscany Region

Strengthening SME capacity to engage in Industry 4.0

Partners and Projects info

REGIONAL INTERMEDIATE BODY FOR EUROPEAN HUMAN CAPITAL PROGRAMS - BUCHAREST - ILFOV REGION

Strengthening SME capacity to engage in Industry 4.0

Partners and Projects info

Foundation European Social Fund Agency

Strengthening SME capacity to engage in Industry 4.0

Partners and Projects info

Marshal's Office of Silesia Region, Silesian Government

Strengthening SME capacity to engage in Industry 4.0

Partners and Projects info

Uusimaa Regional Council

Strengthening SME capacity to engage in Industry 4.0

Partners and Projects info

Navarra Government

Strengthening SME capacity to engage in Industry 4.0

Partners and Projects info

Public Service of Wallonia

Strengthening SME capacity to engage in Industry 4.0

Partners and Projects info

Agency for the development of the Empolese Valdelsa

Strengthening SME capacity to engage in Industry 4.0

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Strengthening SME capacity to engage in Industry 4.0

Project acronym: 40Ready

Project start date: 2019-08-01

Project end date: 2023-07-31

Project status: closed

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 1 430 341.00

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 1 215 789.85

Co-financing sources:

ERDF: Amount, EUR 1 215 789.85.

Documents

Documents on this project are listed below, and organised by category. Please note field "Data source", attached to each document. Keep.eu users are free to use these documents as long as they mention the data source and keep.eu.

Reports

40Ready - Action Plan - Government of Navarra

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Report

Data source: https://projects2014-2020.interregeurope.eu/40ready/

Publication date: 2023-07-28

Document date: 2022-07-04

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

40Ready - Action Plan - Public Services of Wallonia

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Report

Data source: https://projects2014-2020.interregeurope.eu/40ready/

Publication date: 2023-07-28

Document date: 2022-05-11

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

40Ready - Strengthening SME Capacity to engage in Industry 4.0

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Report

Data source: https://projects2014-2020.interregeurope.eu/40ready/

Publication date: 2023-07-28

Document date: 2023-01-31

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

40Ready - Strengthening SME Capacity to engage in Industry 4.0 (Lithuania)

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Report

Data source: https://projects2014-2020.interregeurope.eu/40ready/

Publication date: 2023-07-28

Document date: 2022-05-24

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

40READY Action Plan for Tuscany Region

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Report

Data source: https://projects2014-2020.interregeurope.eu/40ready/

Publication date: 2023-07-28

Document date: 2022-05-25

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

40READY Action Plan Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Council

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Report

Data source: https://projects2014-2020.interregeurope.eu/40ready/

Publication date: 2023-07-28

Document date: 2023-01-31

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

Action Plan - Strengthening SME Capacity to engage in Industry 4.0 (40READY)

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Report

Data source: https://projects2014-2020.interregeurope.eu/40ready/

Publication date: 2023-07-28

Document date: 2022-05-19

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

Studies / surveys

4.0ready - Consultants Survey - Analysis of the Human Dimension in 4.0

Attachment type: file

Type of document: Study / survey

Data source: https://projects2014-2020.interregeurope.eu/40ready/

Publication date: 2023-07-28

Document date: 2022-01-31

Languages: en

Attachment file: Download

Videos / films

40Ready - 3rd Interregional Workshop - Namur

Attachment type: link

Type of document: Video / film

Data source: https://projects2014-2020.interregeurope.eu/40ready/

Publication date: 2023-07-28

Document date: 2022-04-13

Languages: en

40Ready - 4th Interregional Workshop - Pamplona

Attachment type: link

Type of document: Video / film

Data source: https://projects2014-2020.interregeurope.eu/40ready/

Publication date: 2023-07-28

Document date: 2022-06-20

Languages: en

40Ready results

Attachment type: link

Type of document: Video / film

Data source: https://projects2014-2020.interregeurope.eu/40ready/

Publication date: 2023-07-28

Document date: 2023-05-31

Languages: en

Interregional exchange in Industry 4.0 at FACTORY 4 0 Expo Conference 2021

Attachment type: link

Type of document: Video / film

Data source: https://projects2014-2020.interregeurope.eu/40ready/

Publication date: 2023-07-28

Document date: 2021-06-19

Languages: ro

Scaling up SMEs in the midst of Corona

Attachment type: link

Type of document: Video / film

Data source: https://projects2014-2020.interregeurope.eu/40ready/

Publication date: 2023-07-28

Document date: 2021-03-01

Languages: en

Wirtualny spacer po laboratoriach EMT-Systems

Attachment type: link

Type of document: Video / film

Data source: https://projects2014-2020.interregeurope.eu/40ready/

Publication date: 2023-07-28

Document date: 2020-11-05

Languages: pl

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2014 - 2020 Interreg Europe

Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme

2023-10-31

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

258 / 258 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

2 084 / 2 085 (99.95%)

Notes on the data

Information provided by the Programme

Languages

Contact Form

Strengthening SME capacity to engage in Industry 4.0

Description

Thematic information

Partners (8)

Partners map

Summary

Documents

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Disclaimer