A new cross-border initiative designed to accelerate digital transformation for manufacturing SMEs across the island of Ireland has been launched, bringing together leading research and technology organisations in an €8.3m programme backed by EU funding.
The Digital Transformation for Manufacturing SMEs programme, known as DATUM, will provide structured, hands-on support to help small and medium-sized manufacturers move from assessing digital readiness to implementing advanced technologies in practice. The programme is delivered jointly by the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC) at Queen’s University Belfast and Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR).
Organisers said DATUM is intended to go beyond consultancy by embedding expert partners within participating companies, offering funded access to support and a seamless cross-border framework designed to reduce financial risk.
Up to 100 manufacturing SMEs are expected to benefit from the programme, which is supported by PEACEPLUS, an EU-funded initiative managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
Cross-Border Collaboration
Senior government and industry representatives attended the launch, including Mark Lee, Acting Deputy Secretary for Economic Policy, and Gina McIntyre, Chief Executive of SEUPB.
Peter Burke, Ireland’s Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, described the programme as an example of how cross-border collaboration can drive innovation and sustainable growth. He said DATUM would help manufacturers overcome barriers such as skills shortages, cost concerns and uncertainty about adopting new technologies.
Northern Ireland Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said the project would accelerate digital transformation in the advanced manufacturing sector, providing SMEs with tools to boost productivity and competitiveness while strengthening cross-border partnerships.
SEUPB chief executive Gina McIntyre said DATUM aligned with PEACEPLUS ambitions to enhance cooperation and deliver long-term economic benefits, noting that supporting SMEs to adopt technology would improve resilience and international competitiveness.
Practical Support for SMEs
AMIC, an open-access research and technology organisation led by Queen’s University Belfast with partners Ulster University and Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, aims to strengthen the global competitiveness of Northern Ireland’s manufacturing sector through innovation.
Professor Sir Ian Greer, President and Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s University Belfast, said the programme would translate research capability into practical support for SMEs while building resilience across the sector.
IMR, headquartered in Mullingar with additional facilities in Dublin, works with manufacturers to implement new technologies and improve productivity. IMR CEO Barry Kennedy said many SMEs struggle to identify which digital tools will genuinely improve performance, and DATUM will guide companies from assessment through to implementation with expert support embedded in their operations.
By combining research expertise with practical delivery and EU-backed funding, organisers said DATUM aims to create a pathway for SMEs to adopt advanced manufacturing technologies with confidence and compete more effectively in global markets.
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