About project

Presentation of the project

About the project

1.

In the context of the common border hub in the field of smart production is associated 7 project partners.
The project includes seven selected competent partners (of which there are three Slovenian partners and four Austrian partners), and regard to the role in the project are classified into 2 groups. The first group is represented by »expert partners«, who will provide expertise in the development of new tools and improved business processes. The second group is represented by »regional partners« whose task is to animate the SMEs, their integration and the implementation of measures on regional level. The project is implemented 36 months, from 01.05.2016 to 30.04.2019.

2.

Common challenge of the project is directed to increase the territorial competitiveness of the manufacturing industry, which is the main generator of R & D activities, innovation, growth and employment.
Companies are constantly faced with increasing pressure from low-cost economies on the one side and the highly innovative and advanced supply chains in the competitive developed economies on the other side.

The general objective of the project is focused on the expansion of database innovation-oriented production oriented SMEs in the program area in the field of joint technological specialization consistent with the orientation of smart specialization strategies, particularly in the area of operation »smart factory«, where the main achievements will be tied to investments in technological and non-technological innovation with at least 50 cross-border SME, which will result, at least 15 projects to establish a quality system, 15 projects to establish the lean production, 5 projects to establish the system of efficiency, minimum 10 new products or technology transfer and minimum 5 new technology companies.

3.

Innovation of the project is reflected in the common way of solving the challenges. With the interdisciplinary approach, the regional cooperation and cross sectoral integration will increase innovation ability and level of competitiveness of these enterprises in the global marketplace.
The project would include two approaches:

- The first »top down«, which will be based on national measures in the context of connecting companies and search their inter-regional synergies, and

- The »bottom up« approach, which will be based on market opportunities of each interregional group companies.

Opportunities with incredible potential!

Achievements and main objectives

The main objective of the project

The main objective of the project is to expand the database of the innovation-oriented production oriented SMEs in the program area in the field of joint technological specialization consistent with the orientation of smart specialization strategies, particularly in the field of operation »smart factories«.

With the implementation of joint cross border hub the project will upgrade strong knowledge base in the field of mechatronics and technological procedures and with the interaction between partners, members of clusters, networks and technology parks will enhance the development of cross border value chains, promote entrepreneurial activity in enterprises in outlying rural areas, who are faced with economic challenges as a consequence of structural changes and strengthening cross border mobility of professional staff for needs of growth and development. While small and medium sized companies face a shortage of skilled labour in relation to the requirements brought by technological progress and the needs for innovation, the project is geared towards performance improvement of management skills in SMEs and technological processes, which will be reflected in the improvement of quality of work and greater productivity. Due to the interdisciplinary approach and engagement of »knowledge partners«, the project will identify new innovative and production oriented enterprises and their support activities to raise the necessary competencies, linked by cross border and assist in relevant R&D investment and development of new products and technologies.

The main result of the project will also be the increase of cross border innovation cooperation between SMEs and supporting institutions.

The added value of the project

With the support services the project will improve the technological competence of cross border SME, quality processes and improve productivity in production oriented SMEs, establish a system for measuring efficiency, use of new smart services and technologies, development of new products and the launch of new technology oriented companies. Activities of common hub will be resulted investing in technological and non-technological innovation at least 50 cross border SMEs.

The project has been prepared in the way that the prepared tools and work methodology will allow transferability and possible transfer to other organizations, regions, countries or sectors outside the project partnership. At the same time the prepared tools and working methodology can be applied to other fields that want to improve the quality of processes, new products and services, while the partners have the aim to expand the operation hub in other regions and countries, since it will allow the companies to further increase the opportunities for development and growth. At the end of the project, partners will looking for the possibility of upgrading the performance of hub with partners from other regions and countries. In the context of the communication plan it will be prepared activities which will provide the necessary information to specific audiences. Transferability will be ensured through events with different audiences, especially through digital media.

The main result of the project

The main outcome of the project is to increase cross border innovation cooperation between SMEs and supporting institutions. In the context of joint cross border hub in the field of manufacturing will connect 7 project partners. The project will with support services improve the technological competence of cross border SMEs, quality processes and improve productivity in production oriented SMEs, establish a system for measuring efficiency, use of new smart services and technologies, development of new products and the launch of new technology oriented companies. Activity of the common hub will be resulted in investing in technological and non-technological innovation at least 50 cross border SMEs.

Benefits of the project

Special benefit that will be achieved through cross border approach is the activation of the »pool of international experts« to solve common challenges, gain new knowledge and skills in the field of smart technologies and services, the new quality standards and the latest motivational techniques of encouraging employees to achieve greater productivity, innovation, and competitiveness in the global market. Additional advantage is the integration of SMEs in transnational partner network, which enables local SMEs to enter a new market and therefor offers much better conditions for business expansion and success. This creates a positive effect on employment, stop the brain drain and encourage the positive migration trends.