President von der Leyen highlighted in her political guidelines the need to unlock the potential of digital technologies for learning and teaching and to develop skills for all. [1] The digitalisation of EU industries are a strategic imperative and further investment in particular in the digitalisation of manufacturing SMES, the backbone of the EU economy which bring innovative solutions to challenges like climate change, resource efficiency and social cohesion apart from helping spread this innovation through EU's region. The COVID pandemic demonstrated the vulnerability of European industry and uncertainty about how economy recovery will look like. The challenge for SMEs is not simply to be digital but to transform the company into a "Bionic firm", that is, a company which is capable of combining technological, transveral and leadership achieving in turn more productive operations and greater innovation. The transition to a digitalised Europe must go hand in hand with the transition to a more economically, environmentally and socially sustainable Europe as guiding principle for the future. [2] Under this context, GIST project has the aim to develop an innovative training material for SMEs to provide them the basic competences needed to reach this "Bionic Status". To this end, GIST Consortium has defined the following specific SMART objectives (SO): SO1.To define the required learning outcomes based on a deep analysis on the current needs of industry regarding digital transformation. SO2. To define, develop and validate the structure and methodology of the GIST training course in a Joint Curriculum with the participation of stakeholders, target groups and associated partners. SO3. To deliver the training course on e-learning OER Platform and protect it under open licenses. SO4. To evaluate a complete e-learning experience by a verification action and improve the project results. SO5. To create new job opportunities for people with the necessary skills for the future integrative, sustainable and digitalised industries This training material will focus on companies in the furniture sector and related. The 4th industrial revolution is impacting all productive sectors but in some traditional manufacturing sectors such as furniture, the revolution has no entered massively due to the most part of their SMEs under-invests in R&D&I and have less capacity to change production processes and to find highly qualified personnel. [3] These organisations are preoccupied with a shortage of skilled personnel and with an ageing workforce. This type of professional profile that is so widespread in this manufacturing sector needs to be adapted and faced with this new concept of digitalisation with upskilling and reskilling as appropriate. There is a need for investing in life-long learning in the SMEs to increase their capabilities and knowledge. It is time to show the resilience of the furniture sector and the ability of companies to seize the moment (as well as the funds allocated for this purpose) to rebuild the economic and social model on the basis of cooperation, resilience and sustainability. It is necessary to ensure competitiveness and sustainable and supporting resilient and adaptative manufacturing ecosystems, able to cope with external disturbances and rising environmental and social requirements. The prosperity of industry for survive to COVID-19 encompass the globalisation and the interconnection so, this project brings together a Consortium conformed by six partners: a German university specialised in Industry 4.0 KETs research and coordinator of proposals (KIT), a Spanish research centre and VET provider expert in e-learning platform (CETEM), a Croatian research organisation with experience in theoretical and applied research (IRM), a Polish ICT SME expert on non-formal learning system through e.- earning products and software (Globalnet), an Belgium umbrella federation in forestry, woodworking and furniture sector (InnovaWood) and an Slovenian technology park focused on comprehensive support for SMEs (STP). Although the main target group of the project are SMEs from furniture and related sectors, companies’ employees and managers dealing with the implementation of digital transformation, VET providers and HE institutions, employer and employee associations, consultancies and unemployed and students interested in digitalisation training are also potential stakeholders for the proposal. Finally, the GIST project will have a wide impact at European, national, regional and local level and to many different target groups defined before that will be reached after, during and before the project implementation. A Dissemination Plan and a Quality Assurance Plan will be drafted to define the correct strategies to address them and evaluate the correct project implementation and its impact. [1] Digital Education Action Plan 2021-2027. [2] EC/COM (2020) 103 final [3] https://cutt.ly/sgRGcNX
The primary objective of the GIST project was to develop comprehensive training materials tailored to the specific needs of SMEs in the furniture sector, enabling them to successfully undergo digital transformation and evolve into "Bionic firms." Recognizing the prevailing issue of underinvestment in research, development, innovation, and digitalization within this sector, the project aimed to bridge the gap by equipping SMEs with the essential skills and competences necessary for effective digital transformation. This involved a focused approach on upskilling and reskilling the existing workforce, while simultaneously creating new job opportunities aligned with the requirements of a rapidly evolving digitalized industry. Additionally, the project's overarching ambition was to actively contribute to the realization of a more economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable Europe, reflecting its dedication to supporting the broader transition towards a sustainable future. The GIST project successfully achieved its predefined objectives, which were as follows: SO1: Defining the necessary learning outcomes by conducting a thorough analysis of the industry's current digital transformation needs. SO2: Defining, developing, and validating the structure and methodology of the GIST training course through a collaborative curriculum involving stakeholders, target groups, and associated partners. SO3: Delivering the training course through an e-learning Open Educational Resources (OER) platform and ensuring its protection under open licenses. SO4: Conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the e-learning experience through a verification process and implementing improvements based on the project's findings. SO5: Creating new employment opportunities for individuals equipped with the essential skills required for future integrative, sustainable, and digitalized industries. These objectives were successfully accomplished, contributing to the overall success and impact of the GIST project.
Many SMEs face challenges due to a shortage of skilled personnel and an aging workforce. Lifelong learning is crucial to address this issue and foster new capabilities. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of digitalization worldwide, revealing the vulnerability of European industry and the need for resilient organizations, especially SMEs. These enterprises are essential for driving innovation and contributing to a sustainable and digitalized economy. The challenge for SMEs is not just digitization but transforming into "Bionic" firms that combine technology with human and leadership capacities for superior customer experiences, productivity, and innovation. Digital technologies also support the achievement of sustainability goals and the transition to a circular economy. The GIST project aimed to provide innovative training for SMEs, with a focus on the furniture sector, to equip them with the necessary competences. By upskilling and reskilling workers, SMEs could embrace digitalization and contribute to a resilient and sustainable economic model. The project recognized the need for transnational cooperation, bringing together partners from six EU countries to ensure its success.