Digital Transformation and Innovation for Artisans in the South Adriatic Region

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A IPA Italy Albania Montenegro (South Adriatic)

Date of latest update: 2026-04-02

Description

Description (EN):

The Artisan 4.0 project aims to tackle the common challenge of digital underdevelopment and low competitiveness among artisans in the South Adriatic region, specifically in Apulia, Molise, Albania, and Montenegro. Despite being the backbone of the local economy, many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the artisan sector struggle with the slow adoption of digital technologies, limiting their market reach and resilience. The overall objective of the project is to enhance the digital transformation and competitiveness in the artisan sector by establishing robust networks, providing targeted training in digital skills, and facilitating collaborative cross-border initiatives. Key outputs of the project will include Artisan Innovation Labs, transnational hackathons, a toolkit for artisans, a booklet highlighting regional traditions, and a cross-border action plan. These outputs will benefit artisans, local businesses, educational institutions, and policymakers by equipping them with the tools, knowledge, and networks necessary to thrive in a digital economy. The approach we plan to take involves fostering collaboration through cross-border partnerships, which are essential for knowledge exchange and resource sharing. By bringing together diverse stakeholders from different regions, the project will create a vibrant ecosystem that promotes innovation and collective growth. This transnational approach allows us to address shared challenges and leverage best practices that may not be prevalent in isolated contexts. What makes the Artisan 4.0 project unique is its holistic methodology that combines traditional craftsmanship with modern digital tools and collaborative practices. By employing Design Thinking and establishing Innovation Labs, artisans will actively participate in co-creating solutions tailored to their needs.

Expected Achievements (EN):

Strengthen collaboration among artisans across the South Adriatic region by establishing robust networks that facilitate resource sharing, knowledge exchange, and joint initiatives, ultimately enhancing their competitiveness and sustainability. Enhance the digital skills and innovation capacity of artisans by providing training, mentorship, and access to advanced digital tools, thereby empowering them to adapt to changing market demands and integrate new technologies into their practices. Develop and implement a strategic cross-border action plan that aligns artisan practices with EU standards, ensuring that the sector can effectively navigate the challenges of digital integration while maximizing growth opportunities.

Project outputs: Artisan 4.0 Cluster(EN)
Cross-Border Action Plan(EN)

Thematic information

Innovation capacity and awareness-raising SME and entrepreneurship Knowledge and technology transfer

Priority: (VI-A_SA(I-A-M)_PA 1) A smarter South Adriatic programme area, by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation

Priority specific objective: RSO1.3. Enhancing sustainable growth and competitiveness of SMEs and job creation in SMEs, including by productive investments

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO1 A more competitive and smarter Europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation and regional ICT connectivity

Type of intervention: 027 Innovation processes in SMEs (process, organisational, marketing, co-creation, user and demand driven innovation)

Partners (5)

Lead Partner: C.N.A. PROVINCIALE BARI

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 80026120727 | 80019270729 TAX CODE | cnabari@hitechmail.it (EN)

Address: Via Nicola Tridente, 70125 Bari, Italy

Department address: Via Nicola Tridente, 70125 Bari, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: https://www.cnabari.it/

Total budget: EUR 192 570.90

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 154 056.72

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 38 514.18

Agencija za razvoj i podršku poslovanju Cetinje

Name: Agencija za razvoj i podršku poslovanju Cetinje

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 884593150

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 31/31-01321-2 | 03373860 – National ID number | biznis.centar@cetinje.me (EN)

Address: Bulevar crnogorskih junaka, 81250 Cetinje, Montenegro

Department address: Bulevar crnogorskih junaka, 81250 Cetinje, Montenegro

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: https://cetinje.biz

Total budget: EUR 176 244.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 149 807.40

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 26 436.60

Nucleus Albania

Name: Nucleus Albania

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 894302559

Partner’s ID if not PIC: L42112451L | info@nucleus.al (EN)

Address: Reshit Collaku, Pall Bora, 1019 Tirana, Albania

Department address: Reshit Collaku, Pall Bora, 1019 Tirana, Albania

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: http://www.nucleus.al

Total budget: EUR 175 520.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 149 192.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 26 328.00

CONFEDERAZIONE NAZIONALE DELL’ARTIGIANATO E DELLA PICCOLA E MEDIA IMPRESA CAMPOBASSO

Name: CONFEDERAZIONE NAZIONALE DELL’ARTIGIANATO E DELLA PICCOLA E MEDIA IMPRESA CAMPOBASSO

Partner’s ID if not PIC: C.F. 80007120704 | cna.campobasso@cert.cna.it (EN)

Address: CONTRADA COLLE DELLE API, 86100 Campobasso, Italy

Department address: CONTRADA COLLE DELLE API, 86100 Campobasso, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Other

Website: https://www.cna.it/chi-siamo/trova-sede/molise/campobasso/

Total budget: EUR 71 736.60

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 57 389.28

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 14 347.32

LUM - Libera Università Mediterranea - Giuseppe Degennaro

Name: LUM - Libera Università Mediterranea - Giuseppe Degennaro

Department: Department of Engineering

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 05089080724 | presidentecdalum@pec.it (EN)

Address: S.S. 100 Km 18, 70010 Casamassima - Bari, Italy

Department address: S.S. 100 Km 18, 70010 Casamassima - Bari, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.lum.it

Total budget: EUR 95 986.80

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 76 789.44

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 19 197.36

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Agency for Development and Business Support Cetinje

Digital Transformation and Innovation for Artisans in the South Adriatic Region

Partners and Projects info

Nucleus Albania

Digital Transformation and Innovation for Artisans in the South Adriatic Region

Partners and Projects info

NATIONAL CONFEDERATION OF CRAFTSMANSHIP AND SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES CAMPOBASSO

Digital Transformation and Innovation for Artisans in the South Adriatic Region

Partners and Projects info

University LUM Giuseppe Degennaro

Digital Transformation and Innovation for Artisans in the South Adriatic Region

Partners and Projects info

NATIONAL CONFEDERATION OF CRAFTS AND SMALL AND MEDIUM SIZED ENTERPRISES ASSOCIATION BARI PROVINCE

Digital Transformation and Innovation for Artisans in the South Adriatic Region

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Digital Transformation and Innovation for Artisans in the South Adriatic Region

Project acronym: Artisan 4.0

Project ID: SA-0300389

Project start date: 2025-07-01

Project end date: 2027-12-31

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

CRAFT-LAB: From residencies to design and art start-ups Regenerating craftsmanship (Interreg Greece-Italy 2014-2020) (EN) | Artisan 4.0 can valorize the opportunities presented by the CRAFT-LAB project, which focuses on rediscovering ancient arts and professions in ceramics, mosaic, and textiles. By building on the experience of LP1, also partner in CRAFT-LAB, Artisan 4.0 can evaluate the experience of "working labs”, which facilitated the exchange of traditional and innovative techniques, fostering a synergistic environment among young people and artisans. Similarly, Artisan 4.0 propose a dialogue among young students and artisians, to recreate a stimulating exchange of knowledge and perspective. Basing on successes of strat-ups born from CRAFT-LAB, Artisan 4.0 builds on this good practice in environmental business, to better deepens the needs and perspective of entrepreneurs of the crafts sector. (EN), ICON WOM-EN: Integrating Innovation and Promoting Cluster Organization in Women Enterprises (Interreg EL-IT 14-20) (EN) | ICON WOM-EN aimed to promote the development of entrepreneurship in the areas of high added value, innovation and new technologies and to develop the capacity of local stakeholders to better support women entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses, offering innovation support services and developing cross-border networks. Artisan 4.0 will focus on artisan entrepreneurs and craftsmen, following the approach of the project ICON WOM-EN, in which LP1 was partner. (EN), NEW ICONS: New Icon Women in South Adriatic Tourism (Interreg South Adriatic 21-27) (EN) | NEW ICONS is small scale project aimed to capitalize the results of ICON WOM-EN project. The focus of the project is to improve framework conditions for the growth of female entrepreneurship in the sustainable tourism sector. LP1 lead partner of bot projects (NEW ICONS and Artisan 4.0) will share the good practices of the NEW ICONS project. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 712 058.30

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 587 234.84

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 82.47%

Co-financing sources:

IPA/IPA II/IPA III: Amount, EUR 587 234.84. Co-financing rate, 82.47%.

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

Needs assessment report
Booklet with traditions of the territories
Summary report on outcomes
Toolkit for artisans
Portfolio with innovative concepts
Report showcasing a compilation of hackathon projects
Reports on Digital Transformation in Craftsmanship
No. 1 tangible or intangible product
Promotional video
Memorandum of Understanding

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyAdriaticIonianRegion The Artisan 4.0 project aligns with the EUSAIR Strategy, particularly Pillar 4: Sustainable Tourism, and its flagship initiative on Research & Development for SMEs’ Performance and Growth-Diversification. By enhancing the digital transformation of artisans in the South Adriatic region, the project supports the growth and competitiveness of SMEs through targeted training in digital skills and innovative practices. Artisan 4.0 promotes diversification by encouraging artisans to blend traditional craftsmanship with modern technologies, enriching the tourist experience with unique, locally-made products. This approach not only boosts local economies but also fosters sustainable tourism by connecting visitors with authentic regional craftsmanship.
EUStrategyAdriaticIonianRegion The Artisan 4.0 project aligns with the EUSAIR Strategy, particularly Pillar 4: Sustainable Tourism, and the flagship initiative on "Training and Skills in the Field of Tourism Businesses (Vocational and Entrepreneurial Skills)." By enhancing the digital transformation of artisans in the South Adriatic region, the project supports the growth and competitiveness of SMEs through targeted training in digital skills and innovative business practices. Artisan 4.0 promotes the development of vocational and entrepreneurial skills among artisans, enabling them to adapt to market demands and improve their offerings. This initiative not only enhances their craftsmanship but also enriches the tourist experience by providing unique, locally-made products, thereby boosting sustainable tourism.
Other EU Digital Strategy: A Europe fit for the digital age  is one of the European Commission’s six political priorities. In the 2030 Digital Compass – a plan to achieve digital transformation of the EU economy and society - Digital transformation of businesses represents one of the Cardinal points for mapping the EU’s trajectory. It underlines how the transformation of businesses will depend on their ability to adopt new digital technologies rapidly and across the board, including in industrial and services ecosystems that are lagging behind. Moreover, it stresses how SMEs have a central role in this transition, not only because they represent the bulk of the EU companies, but also because they are a critical source of innovation. Artisan 4.0 responds precisely to this framework, equipping SMEs with digital and innovative competences, promoting the smart transition of the crafts sector and stimulating the adoption of digital technologies and smart solutions.
Other Small Business Act for Europe (SBA). This strategy aims to create a favorable environment for SMEs to grow and thrive. Artisan 4.0 supports SMEs by improving their access to training, resources, and digital tools, thereby enhancing their competitiveness and innovation potential in line with the principles of the SBA.
Other New European Innovation Agenda. Foster a more competitive and innovative Europe through strategic investments in innovation. The project incorporates innovative methodologies, such as Design Thinking, to drive business innovation among artisans, aligning with the EU's objective of fostering a culture of innovation across Europe.
Other Puglia Regional Innovation Strategy (RIS). The Artisan 4.0 project contributes to Apulia's Regional Innovation Strategy (RIS) by enhancing the innovation ecosystem and promoting the growth of SMEs through targeted training and digital transformation initiatives.
Other Molise Smart Specialization Strategy (S3). In Molise, the project supports the Smart Specialization Strategy (S3) by fostering collaboration between local businesses and research institutions to stimulate innovation in traditional crafts.
Other EU Integration Strategy. The Artisan 4.0 project supports Albania’s EU Integration Strategy by contributing to the alignment of national policies with EU standards, particularly in the context of SME development and digital transformation. As Albania seeks to join the European Union, it must strengthen its economic infrastructure and enhance the competitiveness of its local businesses, especially in sectors like artisanal crafts. Artisan 4.0 plays a key role in this by fostering the modernization and digitalization of the artisan sector, enabling local businesses to integrate into the EU market more effectively.
Other EU Accession Strategy.
In Montenegro, the Artisan 4.0 project is closely aligned with the country's EU Accession Strategy, which focuses on meeting the criteria for full EU membership. One of the critical elements of this strategy is the enhancement of Montenegro’s economic and business environment, particularly by boosting the competitiveness of its SMEs. Artisan 4.0 helps Montenegro align with EU standards by fostering innovation and digitalization within the artisan sector, which is an important component of its national economy.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 083 - Strategies and action plans jointly developed, Measurement unit:

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
RCR 079 - Joint strategies and action plans taken up by organisations, Measurement unit:

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSAIR

EUSAIR Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:

EUSAIR Degree of compliance:

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

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A IPA Italy Albania Montenegro (South Adriatic)

Latest month of project-partner-call data publication

2026-04

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

78 / 78 (100%)

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

369 / 369 (100%)

Notes on the data

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Digital Transformation and Innovation for Artisans in the South Adriatic Region

Description

Thematic information

Partners (5)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

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

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