A digital innovation network for the industry is born in the North of Portugal
15th May 2018
Other goals that this digital innovation network has to offer to industrial companies, to companies that offer digitalisation and robotics solutions, to trade associations and to government bodies are to enable the adoption of technology in digitalisation and robotics fields and to offer business information on technological expertise, experimental facilities, test cases and financing opportunities in the region.
The Digital Innovation Network for Industry was named “iMan Norte Hub" and PRODUTECH (Production Technologies Cluster), INESC TEC (Institute for Systems and Computer Engineering, Technology and Science ), UPTEC (Science and Technology Park of University of Porto), CATIM (Portuguese Technological Center for the Metal Working Industry), CITEVE (Portuguese Technological Center for the Textile & Clothing Industry), CTCP (Portuguese Technological Footwear Centre) and CTCOR (Cork Technology Centre) are in charge of the coordination.
The strategy involves the development of areas associated to key technologies, namely digitalisation and robotics, combining the existence of scientific and technological skills and infrastructures and strengthening the existing businesses and encouraging the creation of new businesses.
"This business ecosystem arises from strong regional skills in scientific areas that are associated with ICT and production technologies such as electronics and automation, computer science, production equipment and the existing local supply of specialized technological solutions for the manufacturing industry," explains Fernando Sousa from PRODUTECH.
Among the core services of iMan Norte Hub are the elaboration of diagnoses and technology roadmaps, the search of suppliers and partners, the validation and demonstration of innovative solutions, sectorial and technological studies, the support for new business development and the connection with raising funds. These services will be provided by the partners of the hub, namely by competence centres, incubators, business associations, manufacturing technologies companies, including information systems, equipment, automation, robotics and companies that provide consulting and engineering services.
In terms of impact, the iMan Norte Hub will speed up the adoption of digitalisation and robotics technologies in manufacturing companies that operate in the northern region of Portugal, in order to make the industry more customer focused with distinctive services, more sustainable and with an even greater impact on the region's economy and employment.
The data from the Norte Portugal Regional Coordination and Development Commission (CCDR-N) shows that 35% of the Portuguese population, corresponding to 3,6 million inhabitants, lives in the north of the country. In addition, 39% of exports are from the northern region, which is made up of 86 municipalities and represents 29% of the Portuguese Gross Domestic Product.
The official launch of this network will be on 25 May in Leça da Palmeira. Free entry subject to registration: http://iman-eventos.inesctec.pt/
This Digital Innovation Network emerged due to the action plan of the European Commission for the digitalisation of the European industry and the strategy for the creation of a digital single market. According to the Commission, "the European single market needs to be adapted to the digital age by removing legal barriers and moving from the current 28 markets to a single one".
Here is the iMan Norte Hub video: https://youtu.be/onQcu90dW6M
For more information:
Joana Desport Coelho
Communication Service
INESC TEC
FEUP’s Campus
Rua Dr Roberto Frias
4200-465 Porto
Portugal
T +351 22 209 42 4297
M +351 91 919 119 721
joana.d.coelho@inesctec.pt
www.inesctec.pt