Datum Pilots Digital Transformation for Irish SMEs

- The Datum initiative is a cross-border program designed to accelerate digital transformation for up to 100 manufacturing SMEs across Ireland and Northern Ireland. It is delivered jointly by the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC) at Queen's University Belfast and Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR). - The €8.3 million program is supported by PeacePlus, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), which helps reduce financial risk for participating SMEs. This funding aims to help businesses overcome common barriers to adopting advanced manufacturing technologies, such as skills gaps and cost. - Datum provides hands-on support, rather than just consultancy, by working directly with business teams to move from insight to implementation. The program begins by assessing a company's digital readiness and identifying key areas for improvement before aligning the right technologies and skills. - The initiative utilizes an internationally recognized methodology known as the Smart Industry Readiness Index (SIRI) to assess digital maturity. Following the assessment, Datum helps develop a strategic roadmap and business case for implementing solutions through collaborative innovation with technical partners. - This program is part of a broader push for the digitalization of Irish enterprises, supported by Ireland's National Recovery and Resilience Plan and the Digital Transition Fund. These initiatives recognize that digital transformation is a necessity for Irish SMEs to remain competitive, improve productivity, and enhance operational efficiency. - While many Irish SMEs recognize the need for digital adoption, they often face significant hurdles, including limited budgets, a shortage of digital skills, and uncertainty about where to begin. Over 70% of digital transformation initiatives fail to deliver their intended value, often due to organizational rather than technical challenges.