On April 17, the kick-off for the new European project KPF INDUSTR_I4.0 was held in Münster. The 'small projects fund' INDUSTR_I4.0 accelerates the digital transition within the manufacturing industry in the Dutch-German border region. This project focuses specifically on the group of SMEs looking to connect with leaders in the field: the pack. As of now, it is possible for entrepreneurs to apply for subsidies for feasibility studies and innovation projects. A total of 10 million euros is available for this purpose. INDUSTR_I4.0 runs from 2024 to 2027 and is supported by the Interreg VI program Germany-Netherlands. Oost NL is implementing the project.
During the kick-off meeting, the objectives and importance of the project were emphasized by representatives of both German and Dutch governments, by industrial partners and stakeholders. Erwin Hoogland - deputy for regional economy and Europe in Overijssel, Helga Witjes - deputy for economy Province of Gelderland and Tobias Traupel - Ministerialdirigent Wirtschaftsministerium NRW together gave the official digital kick-off.
Impact digital transition of SMEs
The kickoff was followed by a lively panel discussion on the importance of digitization of SMEs. The panel consisted of Edwin Ouwejan - Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate, Nikolaus Jansen - Amt für regionale Landesentwicklung Weser-Ems, Ilka Meisel - Wirtschaftsministerium NRW, and Theo Föllings - Ontwikkelingsmaatschappij Oost NL. Led by moderator Stephanie Koch, they answered all about the challenges and opportunities for business within the digital transition. Then Jakow Smirin showed in his unique quirky way how digital innovations, technologies of the future and above all AI are developing and affecting us all.
Cooperationaround digitalization for SMEs is essential. This is why we also sought a connection with the Digital Summit Euregio for the kick-off. Ideal for companies to first get an explanation of the program and then at the Summit to network with foreign parties and gain inspiration.
Erwin Altena, project manager KPF INDUSTR_I4.0
Innovation projects and feasibility studies
Erwin Altena - project manager KPF INDUSTR_I4.0 East NL took the attendees through the ambition of the new project and the opportunities for participating SMEs. Because while a small part of the business community has benefited from help in the field of the digital transition in recent years, a larger part is struggling to capitalize on the opportunities of the digital transition. The so-called "platoon" thus risks falling further and further behind the leading group and losing touch.
INDUSTR_I4.0 is going to change that with the realization of 80 cross-border digital innovation projects and 80 feasibility studies. With the focus on adoption and implementation of digital technology, the instrument matches the target group. SMEs can now apply for feasibility studies and innovation projects of up to 100,000 euros per project via the website.
The small project fund INDUSTR_I4.0 is implemented within the framework of the Interreg VI program Deutschland-Nederland and is co-financed by the European Union, MWIKE NRW, the Niedersächsisches Ministerium für Bundes-und Europaangelegenheiten und Regionale Entwicklung, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate and the provinces of Fryslân, Groningen, Drenthe, Overijssel, Flevoland, Gelderland, Noord-Brabant and Limburg. INDUSTR_I4.0 is implemented by the following partners: NOM/TCNN, BOM, LIOF, Emsland GmbH, FH Munster/TAFH, HS Niederrhein, WIR4/MCC and Oost NL.