SUpporting Sme TrAnsformation wIthiN 3Dp

Building on insights from the Northsea programme project COM3 SUSTAIN-3D identify barriers, solutions and mitigating initiatives to help SMEs implement additive manufacturing (AM). The partnership consists of knowledge Institutions and Business developers with a strong outreach to SMEs. Their main objective is to ensure, that companies can profit from new technologies and be at the forefront of RD. Implementing new technology like AM is in its essence a wicked problem. On the one side, SMEs know, that AM will help them innovate and stay ahead of competition. On the other hand, it is hard to grasp exactly what AM can do in their production. Some SMEs invest heavily in AM. But often investments arent monetized. Deployment of already installed AM machinery is in some cases under 3%. Others dont invest or invest in cheap machines that do not meet expectations. All three scenarios slows transition toward Industry 4. 0. SUSTAIN-3D seek to mitigate this issue. Studies of the problem point to complex causes: lack of skilled workers and innovators, lack of (digital and structural) infrastructure and lack of objective institutional and digital support. A complex problem like this is beyond any one company to solve. Companies across DK, BE and NL have teamed up with knowledge institutions, and local industry networks to analyze and develop and implement solutions to the problem. The overall goals of the project are to: Create demand: More SMEs need to invest in the right AM technology; Create effect: Expensive production grade machines must be utilized better. Ensure, that SMEs invest in the right equipment; SUSTAIN3D will: Asses if the CORA/COM3 model for digital transformation can be meaningfully applied to the case of AM-technology. This will create a foundation for the partners to work on also after the project period. Implement local action plans related to Skill, Services and Infrastructure. This will ensure after effect: Help 40 SMEs and 7 partners to increase capacity for implementing AM. Overall Objective: SMEs are not gaining the expected  benefits of investments in AM. Complex causes are behind this: lack of skills, digital infrastructure and services. SUSTAIN-3D develops solutions to this wicked problem by analyzing root causes and develop new strategies for engaging with companies.