DIGITALIS

INTRODUCTION

In Flanders, many manufacturing companies are already embracing the digital change. This comprises using Artificial Intelligence, big data, industrial internet of things (IoT), and smart sensors; innovative technologies that companies have the most confidence in. However, a lot of companies are still struggling with implementing digitalisation.  At ERIS we have asked Jürgen: “What is DIGITALIS about and why is it important”?

Jürgen: “For most companies, the digital shop floor represents the biggest opportunity for improvement through digitalization, but they need help on where to start. With ‘Test before invest’ B-PHOT wants to make its broad range of photonics manufacturing infrastructure available, along with the infrastructure of other partners of the consortium, while focussing on the technology and the needs of this target group. We will also provide trainings to companies. Inspired by our other European project PhotonHub Europe, the pan-European digital innovation hub for photonics technologies, we will provide a platform with the necessary tools, structure and process flow. As such, we will make sure that the most suitable partner in the consortium addresses the challenges a certain company might face”. So Jürgen, why is this European Digital Innovation Hub so important? Jurgen: “Digitalization of the manufacturing industry does not only affect the final manufactured products, but it also affects the workfloor processes and even has an impact on civilians and society as a whole. The outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic has challenged the resilience of our society and economy. By being resilient in its own, the manufacturing industry can greatly contribute to societal resilience, making sure production is upheld and workers can continue to work. The re-building of a more resilient and future-proof European economy and industry will allow us to overcome the challenges resulting from the COVID-19 crisis. That is the reason why the EC aims to carry out reforms and strongly invest in the green, digital and social resilience priorities that will help create jobs and sustainable growth. Photonics is a key enabling technology to achieve these ambitious goals”.

AIM (What)

The European Digital Innovation Hub DIGITALIS aims to help two groups of industrial companies. Traditional SMEs with the adoption of new digital technologies and tech savvy SMEs with connecting them in building up a competitive advantage in the globalized marketplace. Through our “ecosystem” service we will also bring together both groups of SMEs in order to create a marketplace for digital solutions and let the traditional SMEs learn from their peers

METHODOLOGY (How)

The prime goals are:

1. Increase the uptake of digital technologies (including photonics technologies) on the shopfloor of SMEs active in manufacturing
2. Increase the level of digital skills on the shopfloor
3. Play an active role in the European network of Digital Innovation Hubs
4. Actively contribute to the goals of the European Green Deal

DIGITALIS thus aims to act as a "one-stop-shop" for manufacturing companies that want to digitize their products and processes. Our embedding in the regional as well as the European innovation landscape paves the way towards providing the best available service to the SMEs. Although the focus of the EDIH is very clearly on industry, several concepts, methodologies, and tools may also be relevant to public authorities. Where possible, we will also support their digitalization questions. The main objectives of DIGITALIS address the core elements of the call for a network of European Digital Innovation Hubs.

IMPACT (Why)

We will support the digital transformation of EU industrial ecosystems, increase the level of industrial digitalisation, upskill the workforce and reinforce critical digital capacities. DIGITALIS will form the “gateway” to a set of services, technologies and knowledge which are necessary for this digital transition and will play an active role in the European network of EDIHs. We will thus actively support the deployment of digital technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Photonics and Cybersecurity (focus of the hub).