Tips for Polish manufacturing companies seeking EU funds for digital transformation

Did you know that some Polish manufacturing companies are using digital transformation funds to innovate in ways that surpass traditional industry practices? Yes, it's true! The European Union offers substantial funding opportunities to help manufacturers implement cutting-edge digital solutions.

This article outlines strategies and tips for small and medium-sized manufacturing firms to apply for and utilize these funds.

Worth noting! EU grants focus on three main areas:

• Research and Development (R+D): Projects aimed at developing new technologies, products, or services.
• Implementation of Innovations: Projects that bring developed technologies to market (commercialization of innovations). These are typically capital-intensive and involve building production facilities, purchasing production equipment, and other hard investments.
• Digital Solutions/Digitalization: This area targets the adoption and integration of digital technologies in manufacturing processes. Our article sheds light on the EU grants dedicated to this purpose.

Key strategies for securing EU funding

1. Identify relevant programmes

Before diving into the application process, it's crucial to understand the types of funding available. The EU recognizes the importance of digital transformation in maintaining the competitiveness of its manufacturing sector. As a result, several funding programmes are available to support firms in Poland in their digitization efforts. 

The upcoming Dig.IT project is a notable example. This EU funded project is expected to launch soon, focusing on digital solutions for the manufacturing sector in Poland. Continue reading for more on this in the next section.

2. Assess your eligibility

Ensure your firm meets the criteria. Different EU grant competitions target different sizes of companies and project types. Some grants are specifically designed for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), while others may be more suitable for larger firms. Understanding which category your company falls into helps you identify the most appropriate funding opportunities.

3. Align projects with EU priorities

Ensure that your proposed digital transformation projects align with the EU's strategic priorities. This includes adopting technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, cloud services, and cybersecurity solutions. For instance, implementing cloud-based inventory management systems or AI-driven predictive maintenance can be compelling cases for funding.

4. Collaborate with technology providers

Partner with a technology provider who can deliver the necessary digital solutions. Having a credible partner can strengthen your application by demonstrating feasibility and reliability.

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5. Develop a strong proposal

Craft a comprehensive proposal that clearly outlines the project's objectives, expected outcomes, and alignment with EU priorities. Define what your project aims to achieve in terms of digitization. Outline the steps and timeline for your project. Provide a detailed breakdown of costs and justify the need for funding.

What is the Dig.IT project?

Dig.IT is an upcoming initiative by the European Union designed to reduce the financial burden on firms and encourage the adoption of innovative digital solutions in Poland. This project is about to kick off. It’s a good idea to prepare in advance.

Funding level

Dig.IT offers up to 70% funding for projects involving the purchase and implementation of digital solutions such as software, cloud services, artificial intelligence, and more. The funding ranges from €40,000 to €200,000.

Eligibility criteria

1. Industry sector: Firms must operate within the manufacturing sector or provide services to the manufacturing industry.

2. Size of the firm: The programme is exclusively for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

What does it mean?

The EU classifies companies into three main size categories based on the number of employees:

• Small enterprises: Less than 50 employees
• Medium enterprises: Less than 250 employees
• Large enterprises: 250 employees and above

Important! Note that if your company is part of a group with capital or personal ties to other entities, the size of your company is calculated based on the entire group.

3. Digital transformation areas covered:

• Adoption of cloud solutions
• Process automation and business analytics
• Digital sales and customer relations
• Leveraging AI and machine learning
• Cybersecurity
• Managing enterprise resources with IT solutions

4. Mandatory project scope:

Purchase pre-made software/hire for programming services

OR

Use cloud services (SaaS, PaaS, IaaS, CSaaS)

Further details will be shared after the official project announcement.

Potential benefits for manufacturers

Securing funding through the Dig.IT project can bring numerous benefits to manufacturing firms, including:

Access to advanced technologies

With the financial support from the EU funding, firms can invest in state-of-the-art digital technologies, such as:

• Automation solutions: Implementing robotics and automated systems to enhance productivity.
• Cloud computing: Utilizing cloud-based platforms for better data management and collaboration.
• Artificial intelligence: Leveraging AI for predictive maintenance, quality control, and process optimization.
• Big data analytics: Analyzing large datasets to gain actionable insights and drive strategic decisions.

Cost efficiency

Digital transformation can lead to significant cost savings by:

• Reducing downtime: Predictive maintenance and real-time monitoring can minimize production halts.
• Optimizing resource use: Improved efficiency in resource allocation and utilization.
• Enhancing supply chain management: Streamlined operations from procurement to delivery.

Competitive advantage

By adopting cutting-edge digital solutions, firms can:

• Improve product data quality: Advanced technologies ensure higher precision and consistency.
• Accelerate time-to-market: Faster development and production cycles.
• Expand market reach: Enhanced capabilities to meet the demands of a global market.

Tips for maximizing EU funding opportunities

1. Leverage expert advice

Consult with experts such as Stratego who specialize in EU grants to enhance your application and project planning.

2. Detailed project planning

Develop a detailed project plan that includes timelines, milestones, and a budget breakdown. This not only helps in executing the project smoothly but also demonstrates to the funders that you have a clear roadmap.

3. Focus on workforce upskilling

Allocate part of the funding to train your workforce on new digital tools and technologies. Skilled employees are essential for the successful adoption and utilization of digital solutions.

4. Continuous monitoring and reporting

Implement monitoring and reporting mechanisms to track the progress of your project. Regular updates and transparent reporting can enhance your credibility and increase the chances of securing future funding.

5. Optimize digital tools and solutions

Choose scalable and flexible digital solutions that can grow with your business. Opt for open-source or modular systems that can be customized to meet your evolving needs without requiring substantial additional investments.

Conclusion

Leveraging European funds for digital innovation provides manufacturing firms with the financial support needed to develop and implement cutting-edge technologies. By strategically applying for and utilizing EU programmes, SMEs can implement innovative digital solutions that drive growth and efficiency. 

Don’t miss out on these valuable opportunities to transform your manufacturing processes and achieve long-term success. Stay informed about funding opportunities. Remember, the key to a successful application lies in thorough preparation, detailed planning, and a clear demonstration of how your project aligns with EU funding priorities. Good luck!

Interested in EU funding opportunities? Join our FREE webinar on June 27th to discover how to reduce e-commerce optimization and PIM implementation costs in manufacturing using EU funds.