4STEPS project is addressing the main challenge of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) as tool towards a new, digital industrial revolution holding the promise of increased flexibility in manufacturing, mass customisation, increased speed, better quality and improved productivity and its development is supporting the RIS3 in the target regions in the different sectors.

SMEs in the target regions are lagging behind in the adoption of innovative tools and solutions proposed by I4.0 revolution and need to increase transnational collaboration in facing this challenge. Main project objective is support the successful RIS3 implementation applying the I4.0 to all the industrial sectors identified by each region.

The innovative elements of 4STPES will be the methodology applied based on the involvement of all the actors of the quadruple helix, thanks to a bottom up approach. SMEs will be the main target and they will be involved via the CE network of the Digital Innovation Hubs (DIH)– including also the relevant stakeholders of the R&D sector, governance actors,  society thanks to an holistic approach.

4STEPS will lead to an improved level of innovative productive methods and application of I4.0 thanks to a Catalogue development of main possible services offered, a Technology Maturity Level Index development, Transnational Action plan and the creation of the Digital Innovation Hubs, tested during the pilot actions. Within this approach of networking 4STEPS will include also a solution preparing the CE citizen towards the digital future during targeted workshop for digital skills improvement.

The project approach developed within the 4STPES project will consider the Industry 4.0 plans applied in CE countries which is are linked to the digitalised production system that will result in a wide range of changes to manufacturing processes, outcomes and business models.