The I4MS initiative was launched by the EC on July 2013 which has shown substantial success, contributing to the progressive development of European SMEs and adopting advanced ICT solutions for manufacturing.
I4MS supports the adoption of innovative ICT by SMEs in manufacturing. Through 11 large projects in 4 key areas: HPC Cloud-based simulation, advanced robotics, CPS/IoT and smart sensors, I4MS brings end-users and suppliers directly into R&I projects, introducing them to innovative technologies and supporting their adoption or to move their technology from the lab to the market.
The EC presented its set of measures and recommendations with the aim to foster European industrial competitiveness by supporting companies in their digital transformation. One of those measures promotes the creation and reinforcement of Digital Innovation Hubs (DIH) in every European region, which will support industries, especially SMEs and mid-caps in the uptake of digital technologies.
I4MS-Growth CSA has adapted to the needs of the 11 projects involved as well as in close collaboration with the XS2I4MS CSA. The I4MS-Growth CSA provides the following conclusions:
• CSA needs to satisfy the needs of the “clients”, in I4MS case: the I4MS projects, community and initiative.
• Listen, adapt and respond to the evolving needs of the projects and community.
• Website: fresh design, facilitate to disseminate the events/open calls/projects, avoid subscriptions, or engagements into communities/data provision.
• Events: prepare in advance to organise well, engage actors and interested parties, boost the visbility via social media, create a dedicated website, control responsibility of all different aspects to avoid last minute problems, and check speakers involvement continuously. Small events capture more attention from SMEs or local organisations.
• Social media: Twitter is the most active channel to capture attention from other initiatives/communities. Linkedin serves well to start disseminate Open calls and then to be relayed by newslleter/twitter as the passion reduces within LinkedIn groups. Youtube reinforced the message through webinar videos. The newsletters work well for open calls/webinars/events registration.
The added value of I4MS-Growth is to reinforce I4MS branding, forming a shared image and message in social media, dissemination materials, newsletters and events. Open the initiative to new communities and promote the participation of new comers in the I4MS´open calls. Encourage the interaction within the initiative by experiences sharing, synergies search and united participation in events. Make the I4MS website the unique stop shop, raise awareness to I4MS and spread I4MS benefits.
