ROBOCOAST 2

Research area: Smart Industry

Project code: 101256905

Language: Finnish, English

Project description

Robocoast EDIH is a Finnish non-profit consortium that supports small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly in the manufacturing industry, in adopting artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and other key digital technologies. It provides one-stop-shop EDIH services, access to research and development environments, and a European network of experts. Its activities are driven by real business needs and long-established cooperation with industry. Robocoast operates nationwide through ten regional hubs and also serves stakeholders at the EU level. During the first EDIH funding period (2022–2025), more than 2,000 services were delivered to companies.

Goals

Main objectives of the Robocoast EDIH 2 consolidation project (36 months):

• Increasing the adoption of digital technologies (AI, cybersecurity, robotics, HPC, Industry 5.0, data):
  – Provide technical expertise, testing and experimentation environments, and networks to support business-driven piloting, deployment, and development.
  – Support at least 1,200 companies and 50 public sector organisations.
• Strengthening digital skills and workforce reskilling:
  – Organise at least 75 training sessions (with a focus on AI, cybersecurity, robotics, HPC, and data) and validate 1,000 participants.
• Access to finance and investments:
  – Support the identification and use of funding opportunities so that companies within the network secure at least €5 million in funding.
• Promoting networking and innovation ecosystems:
  – Organise at least 60 networking and co-creation events and establish a minimum of five thematic mini-clusters.
• Comprehensive support for digital transformation and AI adoption:
  – Carry out at least 240 Digital Maturity Assessments (DMA), develop 50 company-specific digital roadmaps and 50 AI strategies, and support at least 75 companies in leveraging the EU AI innovation ecosystem.

Goals

Based on the project’s previous achievements and its targeted impact, more than 2,000 EDIH services were delivered to companies during the first funding period from 2022 to 2025. Over the course of the project, an estimated 1,250–1,500 organisations are expected to use these services. In terms of training activities, the goal is to organise at least 75 training sessions with a total of approximately 1,000 participants. The development of digital capabilities is measured using the DTA indicator, with the target that 80% of organisations using the services improve their level of digital maturity. In addition, as a funding impact of the project, companies are expected to secure at least €5 million in additional financing in total. With regard to networking, the objective is to establish at least 20 collaborations with other European Digital Innovation Hubs and EU-level stakeholders. The adoption of artificial intelligence is promoted by supporting 150 companies in deploying a European AI solution with the assistance of Robocoast.