DIS4SME started a collaboration with IRIS, the European Digital Innovation Hub in Navarra
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face the challenge of staying competitive and relevant. Recognizing this need, DIS4SME aims at introducing cutting-edge training courses on location data interoperability designed to empower SMEs with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the digital era. To this purpose, on the occasion of the Second DIS4SME Progress meeting held in Pamplona on 9th and 10th January 2024, an exciting collaboration with IRIS , the Digital Innovation Hub in Navarra, was established.
IRIS is a dynamic ecosystem that brings together 38 members represented by private companies, SMEs and public entities, to foster innovation and drive digital transformation. By acting as a catalyst for collaboration and knowledge exchange, the Hub plays a pivotal role in helping businesses harness the power of emerging technologies.
The collaboration between DIS4SME and IRIS Hub is rooted in the shared vision of enlarging the training services of the Hub and empowering SMEs through education and innovation. Together, we aim to bridge the digital skills gap on location data interoperability by offering specialized training courses tailored to the unique needs of small and medium-sized enterprises.
In the first project period, DIS4SME conducted thorough research to identify the specific digital skills that are most crucial for SMEs. This to ensure that provided training courses are aligned with the current needs of the European and local business landscape. Leveraging insights gained from the SMEs training needs analysis, DIS4SME is now developing training programs based on Business Cases Studies that cater to some of the challenges faced by SMEs.
Starting from the end of 2024, expert-led workshops and seminars will be organized by DIS4SME to provide SMEs managers and technicians, as well as job seekers, with hands-on experience by ensuring that the knowledge shared is not only theoretical but also grounded in real-world applications and can be reused in different job contexts thanks to the accreditation through micro-credentials.
European SMEs participating in DIS4SME training programs are expected to:
- Enhance their competitiveness: by acquiring essential digital skills on location data interoperability, SMEs can enhance their competitiveness in the market, attracting new customers and expanding their reach.
- Innovation Integration: the training programs facilitate the seamless integration of innovative location data and technologies into SME operations, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and adaptability.
- Cost-Efficiency: SMEs can avoid the costs associated with trial and error by learning from industry experts, ultimately saving time and resources.
The collaboration between DIS4SME and IRIS marks a significant step towards empowering SMEs to navigate the digital landscape successfully and it is expected to become a format to be replicated in other EU regions and with other Digital Innovation Hubs across Europe. Through carefully crafted training courses, expert-led sessions, and access location-based technologies, the aim is to equip small and medium-sized enterprises with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
The collaboration between DIS4SME and the Digital Innovation Hubs in Europe goes beyond training courses, offering SMEs valuable networking opportunities within the Digital Innovation Hub’s ecosystem. This allows businesses to connect with like-minded professionals, potential collaborators, and technology providers.
DIS4SME together with European Digital Innovation Hubs is not just offering courses; the collaboration is expected to build a bridge to a brighter, more innovative future for SMEs in Europe.
