European Digital Innovation Hub ShiftLabs

Activity Leader

Johan Kostela

Process Manager

Mälardalen University

About the project

ShiftLabs supports small and medium-sized manufacturing companies in their adoption and implementation of new digital technologies. As a European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH), the project is funded by the Digital Europe Programme of the European Commission and the Swedish regions of Västra Götaland, Östra Mellansverige, and Stockholm. 

Challenges

Manufacturing SMEs face many challenges related to increased global competition, short product planning time horizons, and supply chain disruptions and more. Lately, sustainability and resilience have become key development areas in an attempt to comply with environmental standards as well as securing healthy work environments for employees and long-term financial stability. 

The need for digital transformation and swift adoption of digital tools and technologies has never been more urgent, alongside the companies’ abilities to deploy innovative business approaches. 

Solutions

Having supported small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for over 10 years, the ShiftLabs partners bring together extensive experience of supporting production development, change management and adoption of digital technologies. Within the project, they offer hand-tailored services in four categories: 

1. Test before invest – Test products and technologies before making extensive investments. 
2. Funding and Investment Support – Access crucial funding for investments in digital tools and technologies.
3. Innovation Ecosystem and Networking – Join events and be part of matchmaking between manufacturers, technology suppliers and system integrators.
4. Skills and Training – Develop key manufacturing competences using state-of-the-art technologies and techniques.

Expected results

ShiftLabs aims to drive sustainable innovation and competitiveness forward by providing digitalisation support to SMEs. 

Participants