XS2I4MS · Project

A Ready-Made Network Helping Manufacturing SMEs Adopt Industry 4.0 Technologies

manufacturingPilotedTRL 7

dih.i4ms.eu

Imagine you run a small factory and keep hearing about robots, 3D printing, and smart sensors — but you have no idea where to start or who to ask. This project built a one-stop support network across Europe that connects manufacturing SMEs with the right technology experts, training, and funding advice. Think of it as a matchmaking and mentoring service that pairs small manufacturers with Digital Innovation Hubs — local centers where they can test new tech before committing. The consortium of TNO, Fraunhofer, VTT, and MTC essentially created the playbook for how these hubs should operate and grow.

By the numbers

consortium partners operating the network

countries covered (DE, FI, NL, UK)

total deliverables produced

demonstration system showcasing I4MS demonstrators

The business problem

What needed solving

Most manufacturing SMEs know they need to digitize — adopt IoT sensors, 3D printing, smart automation — but they don't know where to start, who to trust, or how to pay for it. The technology is advancing fast, and small companies risk being left behind because they lack the in-house expertise and connections that large corporations have. They need a trusted guide, not another sales pitch.

The solution

What was built

The project delivered 19 outputs including: a single web portal for the I4MS community, an I4MS Observatory providing a centralized information base on Industry 4.0 in Europe, a mentoring and coaching programme for Regional Innovation Hubs, brokerage support services with DIH financing models, best-practices documentation, and 1 demonstration system showcasing the power of I4MS demonstrators to the community.

Audience

Who needs this

Manufacturing SMEs looking to adopt IoT, additive manufacturing, or cyber-physical systemsRegional development agencies wanting to establish Digital Innovation HubsTechnology parks and industry clusters seeking a proven model for tech transfer servicesIoT and automation vendors looking for a channel to reach manufacturing SMEsNational and regional governments designing Industry 4.0 support programmes

Business applications

Who can put this to work

Precision Manufacturing

SME

Target: Small and mid-size manufacturers looking to digitize production

If you are a manufacturing SME struggling to figure out which Industry 4.0 technologies actually fit your shop floor — this project built a network of Digital Innovation Hubs with mentoring and brokerage services designed exactly for companies like yours. The I4MS portal and Observatory give you a single access point to find the right experts, demonstrators, and funding options across 4 European countries.

Regional Economic Development

any

Target: Regional development agencies and technology parks

If you are a regional development agency trying to set up or strengthen a local innovation hub for manufacturers — this project developed a mentoring and coaching programme specifically for Regional Innovation Hubs. The best practices collected from digitization activities across Europe provide a tested blueprint, and the brokerage support model shows how to make DIHs financially sustainable.

Industrial Automation & IoT

mid-size

Target: Technology providers selling to manufacturing SMEs

If you are an IoT or automation technology provider that struggles to reach small manufacturers — the Digital Innovation Hub network built by this project offers a direct channel to pre-qualified SMEs actively seeking to adopt technologies like cyber-physical systems, additive manufacturing, and IoT. The 5-partner consortium across 4 countries tested this brokerage model with real companies.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

What does it cost to access the Digital Innovation Hub services?

The project itself was a Coordination and Support Action, meaning its outputs — the portal, observatory, and mentoring framework — were designed as public-good infrastructure for the I4MS community. Access to individual DIH services varies by hub; the project specifically studied how DIHs can be financed sustainably (WP4). Contact the coordinator for current access models.

Can this scale to my region if we're not in the Netherlands, Germany, Finland, or UK?

Yes — that was an explicit goal. WP5 (Mentoring and Coaching for Regional Innovation Hubs) was designed to extend the network to SMEs in regions not currently participating in I4MS. The mentoring programme provides a replicable model for establishing new hubs.

Who owns the IP — can I use the tools and methods they developed?

As a Coordination and Support Action (CSA), this project produced knowledge assets like the observatory, portal content, and best-practice guides rather than patentable technology. These outputs were designed for community use. The portal was hosted at dih.i4ms.eu for continued access.

Is this still active or did it end with the project?

The project formally closed in February 2018. However, the Digital Innovation Hub concept it supported has since become a cornerstone of EU industrial policy. The I4MS community and DIH network continue to operate. Check the project website for current status of services.

What technologies does the network actually cover?

Based on the project objective, the I4MS network covers cyber-physical systems, Internet of Things, additive manufacturing, and simulation technologies — all applied to manufacturing. The demonstration deliverable was specifically designed to show the I4MS community the power of demonstrators in these areas.

How do I get matched with the right technology or expert?

The project built brokerage support and information activities (WP4) specifically for this purpose. The single portal (WP1) and I4MS Observatory (WP2) serve as entry points. The consortium includes TNO, Fraunhofer, VTT, and MTC — all major applied research organizations with existing SME support programmes.

Consortium

Who built it

The consortium is built around Europe's heavyweight applied research organizations: TNO (Netherlands), Fraunhofer (Germany), and VTT (Finland) — three institutions whose core business is transferring technology to manufacturers. The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC, UK) adds dedicated advanced manufacturing training capacity. Brainport Development rounds out the team with SME startup support and business plan expertise. With 4 out of 5 partners being research organizations and only 20% industry ratio, this is clearly a support-infrastructure project rather than a commercial venture. The 4-country spread (DE, FI, NL, UK) covers major European manufacturing regions. For a business looking to access the network, these are credible, well-resourced partners with existing SME programmes.

NEDERLANDSE ORGANISATIE VOOR TOEGEPAST NATUURWETENSCHAPPELIJK ONDERZOEK TNOCoordinator · NL
TEKNOLOGIAN TUTKIMUSKESKUS VTT OYparticipant · FI
BRAINPORT DEVELOPMENT NVparticipant · NL
THE MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY CENTRE LIMITEDparticipant · UK

How to reach the team

TNO (Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek), Netherlands — a major applied research organization. SciTransfer can help identify the right contact person.

Order a report on this consortium See NEDERLANDSE ORGANISATIE VOOR TOEGEPAST NATUURWETENSCHAPPELIJK ONDERZOEK TNO profile →

Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Want to connect with the I4MS Digital Innovation Hub network or find out which hub covers your technology needs? SciTransfer can broker an introduction to the right consortium partner for your specific manufacturing challenge.

Order a report on this topic More in Manufacturing & Industry 4.0