SURE5.0 aimed to support the transition of EU innovative SMEs from the Mobility, Transport & Automotive (MTA), Aerospace & Defence (ASD), and Electronics ecosystems towards Industry 5.0 (I5.0). The project promoted the uptake of advanced technologies to strengthen EU global competitiveness, while guiding SMEs through digital, green, and social transitions. SURE5.0 helped SMEs embed the three key principles of I5.0 into their production:
Human-centricity
Employees’ skills were placed at the centre of industrial change. As advanced technologies become more common, new skills are needed, and workers' safety, satisfaction, and well-being are affected. Industry 4.0 focuses on helping workers use new tools. However, not all employees can or want to invest in learning. I5.0 starts with their existing skills and adapts the tools accordingly.
Sustainability
Value chains in SURE5.0 ecosystems rely on resources that must be regenerated, not wasted. This requires new skills and processes, enabled by advanced technologies. SURE5.0 promoted a shift from linear to circular ecosystems, through models that reuse, repurpose, and recycle resources, reduce waste, and support sustainability.
Resilience
The COVID-19 crisis highlighted value chain fragility. Resilience means strong control from raw materials to production skills. SMEs received support to adopt technologies enabling adaptable capacity, better forecasting, and flexible business processes.