ADMA TranS4MErs

🔓 Unlock the future of European manufacturing at the ADMA TranS4MErs Finals Event! 📅 28 November 2024 📍 The Hotel, Brussels Join us to push the boundaries of SME transformation, gain valuable insights, learn how to overcome market challenges, dive into interactive panels and network with like-minded peers, mentors and industry representatives. Check out the agenda and secure your free ticket 👉 https://lnkd.in/dSDed7Zf #manufacturing #advancedmanufacturing #factoryofthefuture #digitalfactory #sme #smesupport #digitalisation #transformationjourney #industry40 #networking #h2020 Irish Manufacturing Research, IMP³ROVE – European Innovation Management Academy EWIV, F6S Innovation, TECNALIA Research & Innovation, Applied Research and Communications Fund, MADE - Manufacturing Academy of Denmark, Europa Media, Latvian Technological Center, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Łukasiewicz – PIAP, AFIL - Associazione Fabbrica Intelligente Lombardia, Systematic Paris-Region, DIMECC Oy, MASOC - Association of Mechanical Engineering and Metalworking Industries of Latvia, ADR Nord-Vest Romania, CyRIC | Cyprus Research & Innovation Center Ltd, Tehimpuls Association - The Regional Centre for Innovation and Technological Transfer, Malta Enterprise, Pragma-IoT, BIC Bratislava (Business & Innovation Centre), Civitta, INTRASOFT International, FastTrack Ventures, DIH University of Maribor, Technologické centrum Praha, Prekybos, pramonės ir amatų rūmai VILNIUS, EUROCROWD, Beia Consult International, Lietuvos inovacijų centras / Lithuanian Innovation Centre (LIC), InnovationQuarter, Danish Technological Institute, IMH Campus, University of Split

It's a rare opportunity to have voices from both the private and public sectors on the same stage. That is exactly where Danijel Pavlica Salvatore Amico Roxas and Nuno Varandas stepped in. "One of the main challenges for SMEs in accessing public funding is complexity. The EU addresses this through simplification and increased accessibility." said Nuno Varandas. Salvatore Amico Roxas outlined the funding opportunities within the European Union framework, emphasizing how the EU is making access to funding easier for SMEs. Meanwhile, Daniel Pavlica contributed with critical questions that deepened the conversation and helped clarify the path forward.

"True heroes are the project’s representatives, partners, and SMEs, all working in harmony to drive innovation and progress," stated Syam Nair in his opening speech, and we could not agree more! 🌟 We want to take a moment to celebrate this incredible dream team and express our gratitude for their invaluable contributions throughout the entire project.

It's a rare opportunity to have voices from both the private and public sectors on the same stage. That is exactly where Danijel Pavlica Salvatore Amico Roxas and Nuno Varandas stepped in. "One of the main challenges for SMEs in accessing public funding is complexity. The EU addresses this through simplification and increased accessibility." said Nuno Varandas. Salvatore Amico Roxas outlined the funding opportunities within the European Union framework, emphasizing how the EU is making access to funding easier for SMEs. Meanwhile, Daniel Pavlica contributed with critical questions that deepened the conversation and helped clarify the path forward.

"Before, we didn’t know each other, but now we can pick up the phone when faced with challenges. This network is incredibly valuable to us," said Lise-Ann Sheahan, perfectly capturing the essence of what this event is all about—connection and collaboration. We are deeply inspired by Oliver Gajda Lise-Ann Sheahan, Manuel Seuffert, Jana De Merlier, and Mantas Vilys after the "Available Opportunities for Manufacturing SMEs" panel discussion. As Lise-Ann also shared, "Humans must remain in the loop to ensure meaningful outcomes. As much as technology can support us, the future won’t be about becoming more machine-like or producing more—it will focus on the human element."

Szabolcs Szekacs Policy Officer for Digital Transformation of Industry at the GROW Unit, delivered an inspiring address: "The timing couldn’t be better. We find ourselves at a unique moment with a clear mandate to boost competitiveness and rethink how we produce goods. The integration of advanced manufacturing technologies and embracing the circular economy presents tremendous opportunities." He emphasized the importance of action: "To meet this challenge, we must continue fostering greener industries and scaling initiatives like Transformers, which are vital to raising awareness, empowering SMEs, and driving innovation."

Oliver Kozak Policy Officer at European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA), delivered a compelling keynote address, highlighting the transformative impact of initiatives like Transformers on Europe's SMEs and innovation ecosystem. Reflecting on past experiences: "SMEs were often left behind when working with big corporations. No incentives meant no real change, but now, through projects like Trans4MErs, we’re creating meaningful benefits for the European ecosystem."

Syam Nair just wrapped up his opening remarks, setting the tone for today’s discussions on innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation. With 947 SMEs supported and over 9,000 hours of tailored services, the initiative has been pivotal in empowering digital transformation across the manufacturing sector. At the heart of this success are the true heroes: the project’s representatives, partners, and SMEs. Together, they work in perfect harmony to foster innovation, tackle challenges, and drive progress. "This project isn’t just about transformation—it’s about building a community of changemakers committed to shaping a more competitive and sustainable future for European manufacturing"

💡 Reflection is key to understanding our project's impact. In the "Digitalisation of Manufacturing SMEs: Challenges and Opportunities" panel discussion, Merete Nørby,Alain Dinis,Boel Wadman and Jiri Janosec shared lessons learned and challenges faced, offering insights to guide future improvements. 👉 Jiri Janosec noted, "Convincing CEOs and decision-makers to find time to engage in programs like ours is often challenging, but most SMEs find the project compelling; With over 200 training modules in our catalog, we offer a variety of options, from sophisticated AI training to fundamental business digitalization" 👉 Boel Wadman elaborated "There’s a fear among SMEs about engaging with EU projects due to the administrative burden, but the right support can make all the difference" 👉 Alain Dinis concluded that "SMEs greatly value an independent, external perspective. It helps them assess their challenges and opportunities objectively, enabling better decision-making."

Our panel discussion, Navigating Market Needs and Its Challenges, is underway. ⚡ Rachel Davies shared her experience with SMEs: "SMEs often come back to me for help, even after completing digitalization programs. Think of it like a doctor-patient relationship—when something’s wrong, they return to someone they trust." Magdalena Jabłońska shed light on the deeply personal nature of SMEs: "For SME owners, their business isn’t just a job; it’s their life. It’s about enabling micro, small, and medium-sized businesses to grow—not by fixing problems for the sake of it, but by addressing their unique challenges and opportunities." Walter Quadrini noted that DIHs must leverage existing networks, such as chambers of commerce, industrial associations, and universities, to connect with SMEs and deliver impactful solutions.