Industry 4.0 competences for SMEs - Awareness raising tools

CONTEXT: EU economy is substantially supported by the industrial sector which is a critical enabler of progress and employment. Nevertheless, over the recent past, the contribution of industry to the EU economy is decreasing for which forced European Commission(EC) to set a goal for increasing the contribution of industry to the economy by 2020. Hence, through EC’s Digital Single Market strategy,all industrial sectors would be supported so that they can make use of the new technologies and shift to Industry 4.0. Digitalisation in Industry 4.0 provides new business models that challenge traditional businesses. Europe needs to fully take advantage of the opportunities Industry 4.0 offers, to become more competitive. Digitalisation in companies can create ten times better performance,however,Europe has not used its digital potential, as though 47% of EU citizens shop online,only 14% of SMEs use internet to sell products and services and less than 2% of European enterprises are taking full advantage of digital technologies like mobile communications,social media,big data analytics and IoT. Industry 4.0 is expected to significantly advance the supply chain and production in manufacturing industry.It can speed up innovation and supports faster design processes and increase profitability.The industrial sector contributes essentially to the EU economy which is a critical driver of growth and employment. European Trade Union Confederation emphasizes that development of new tools to support and manage transformational change is essential. Industry 4.0 benefits and transformation of traditional businesses through new digital advancements is realized differently by EU countries. Moreover, there are different levels and standards of skills and competencies of the work force new digital era in different countries of Europe. MAIN AIM:The main of iCOINS project was to develop common EU competences for raising awareness of SMEs on Industry 4.0 through an innovative Training Course. The primary target groups are VET teachers, trainers and mentors. Additionally, iCOINS serves the needs of SMEs staff, higher education staff and students, vocational institutions, vocational higher education institutions/teachers, public administration staff. Common future needs of SMEs in the context of Industry 4.0 for SMEs were aimed to be identified, and common sets of learning outcomes defined based on ECVET and ECTS principles. Through innovative blended learning contents on industry 4.0 themes, iCOINS targets a mind change of SME entrepreneurs and employees which will enable creation of a community of practice in learning and training process. Through iCOINS project, it was aimed to develop a common competence map and training modules on raising awareness on Industry 4.0 in SMEs. An OER platform with training modules and a training course plan for trainers was created. A Training methodology handbook enables trainers to transfer knowledge to trainees by using iCOINS outputs. The outputs were tested by pilot trainings and disseminated by multiplier events. METHODOLOGIES:iCOINS introduces a methodical approach to meet the SMEs’ needs for awareness raising on Industry 4.0 principles, enhancing VET trainers’ skills in using innovative methods and tools to transfer the knowledge. OER allows trainers to implement innovative methodologies by using online resources.Open Badges can be released as a recognition of achievements reached within trainings. iCOINS methodology, promotes continuous professional development of VET teachers, trainers and mentors in work-based settings,with focus on developing effective open and innovative education through use of OER. MAIN ACTIVITIES:- Developing a competence road map for building capacity on industry 4.0 in SMEs;-Creation of a multilingual Internet platform with practical operational features: modules, exercises, learning outcomes, and open online badges in partners' languages;-Design of ECVET-based integrated open badges to recognize newly acquired competencies;- creation of training methodology handbook and training course plan to guide trainers in using the course material in their trainingThe partnership was formed on basis of required competencies and special strengths for project realization and composed of Cankaya University(CAUN),Turkey; EVM,Spain;HAMK, Finland;TRAINING 2000, Italy; Turkish Society of HVAC and Sanitary Engineers(TTMD),Turkey; SUPSI,Switzerland(associated partner); and OSTIM, Turkey(associated partner). At the proposal stage, LAMK from Finland was involved however after the grant approval, organisation left consortium due to staff shortage issues. HAMK Häme University of Applied Sciences joined consortium.All academic partners involved in project have already extensive experience in training services,strongly experienced in the development of structured training models,and use of eLearning tools.All industrial partners are experienced in innovative training projects.