Instrument SME, Technology Workshops 2021-2022

Purpose and goal:

The overall aim of Instrument SME is to increase competitiveness of SMEs by disseminating research results that are based on Produktion2030- projects. Another aim is to increase researchers´ knowledge of SMEs´ challenges.

The project goal was 60 Technology Workshops (TWS) with 360 participating companies, carried out by 15 Industrial Development Centers (IUCs) spread across the country, as well as to add new TWS themes. The goals have been reached with 69 TWS and 485 participating companies with 893 participants. We have had 20 TWS themes, of which 8 new ones. 18 IUCs have been involved.

Expected results and effects: - 69 completed TWS (goal: 60) - 485 participating companies (goal: 360) with 893 participants - 30 employees from 18 IUCs across the country have been involved (goal: 15 IUCs) - 20 different TWS, of which 8 new ones during the project

- The setup with digital TWS would remain and be further developed, which has been the case. A new arrangement where i.a. IUC Sweden´s role will be strengthened to assist the IUCs even more will be used and refined in the granted continuation project. In the 9-year evaluation of Produktion2030, the positive effects of TWS were highlighted.

Approach and implementation:

TWS aims to make research results available to a target group that does not often collaborate with academia and institutes. Researchers and companies meet in a combination of lecture, dialogue and group discussions. The work is led by RISE and IUC Sweden.

Regional IUCs invite companies. The set-up is developed continuously with adjustments and additions in the process to streamline and promote SMEs´ uptake of new knowledge, which together with relatively much work being put into packaging, preparations and follow-up, was taken up as an indication of quality in the 9-year evaluation.