Digital small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs/SME 4.0)

Innovation support for small and medium-sized enterprises in digital transformation developments through science, research and technology transfer.

While large industrial companies are already taking action, many small and medium-sized enterprises are stuck in an action vacuum due to the complexity of the topic and, in some cases, a lack of knowledge: rapid implementation of initial measures is being delayed. However, without the digitalisation of products, processes and services along the value chain, SMEs will not be able to remain competitive in the long term.

The aim of the KMU 4.0 project is to actively address these small and medium-sized enterprises in a regional network between business and science with a high degree of practical relevance. The interregional pooling of knowledge and expertise of the project partners creates a complete transfer programme that prepares SMEs well for digitalisation: a low-threshold approach and awareness-raising through demonstrations of digital technologies and fields of application, accompanying qualification offers and the promotion of cross-border learning processes.

In addition to the exchange of expertise and experience, regional technology solutions are also to be identified through inter- and cross-company networking. The results from the project will also create added value for the further development of qualifications and professional qualifications - for example through train-the-trainer measures - and will be used in the future.