The expected impacts of the ConnectedFactories 2 CSA (CF2) respond to overall EC goals/policy and aims of the work programme in terms of (1) Enhancing leadership in platforms by supporting the development of a competitive offer of next generation manufacturing platforms (2) Stimulating stronger pan-European collaboration across initiatives and (3) Supporting the de-fragmentation of local, national, and European efforts. In particular, CF2 contributes to the forward-looking vision of EC on how the Commission help to accelerate digital transformation in traditional industries. CF2 also helps to broaden the view from digital and manufacturing aspects towards human factors and business models, in particular circular economy.
The CSA impacts the European manufacturing sector by (1) stimulating collaboration and building trust and confidence amongst all stakeholders (especially SMEs), (2) supporting industrial consensus and fostering the dialogue between suppliers and end-users (3) connecting to national manufacturing and digitalisation initiatives and (4) delivering practical tools (pathways with steps forward, analysis results and stimulating case examples) to support SMEs (5) highlighting SME-focused approaches and best practices (6) organising events with companies (7) enhancing the uptake of results developed by the relevant IAs in industry (8) link industry and standardisation bodies and identify gaps in standards for I4.0. Stakeholders’ needs have been assessed (in national and regional workshops and various other meetings and studies) and updated: potentially influencing the future focus of actions (innovation strategies, actions and funding, DIH services etc.). Report on Foresights and Recommendations of Digital Manufacturing Platforms for a Digital Europe.
The public and structured knowledge base developed in the ConnectedFacotories CSAs, serve as an information sharing system about technologies, best practices and inspiring cases. Connections to national and regional manufacturing and digitalisation initiatives (incl. DIHs) have been established through the 19 CF2 consortium partners in 14 member states. A common understanding (in the consortium and in broader networks) of e.g. data based business and circular economy transition, future technology and skills needs in manufacturing industries has been shaped. Insights from the CF2 have inspired and made available for several initiatives, in particular for EFFRA visions and Made In Europe PPP planning but also other partnerships (KDT) and DIHs (I4MS, SAE).
Through the DMP cluster (Digital Manufacturing Platform IA projects) thematic groups and various meetings (DMP cluster, bilateral, and broader network meetings) that CF2 has provided, the IA’s have stronger communication and more consistent understanding of the challenges. EFFRA portal and its updates offers visibility to the IA’s results
During the project span, the ConnectedFactories has achieved its objectives to create a community, structured understanding and practical tools around digital platforms in manufacturing. The impact of the project will be multiplied through the EFFRA activities and the innovation portal which play an important role in the dissemination of the results even after project end.
