The event started with Adrian Hovenden, Irish Manufacturing Research, who explored how industry 4.0 technologies can deliver real business impact. Dr Kevin Meehan, Donegal ATU, presented a recent digitalisation research case study with industry partner, AE Global.

Dr Caitriona Strain, lead partner of IaaS and Programme Manager at ERNACT, introduced the Enterprise Ireland funded Innovation-as-a-Service project and shared how the project will help increase competitiveness and innovation in manufacturing SMEs across the Irish Border and Western Region, by increasing the use of disruptive technologies in their operations through the innovative Service Directory and Virtual Reality Education tools. Keith Bonner, Managing Director of Irish Fish Canners, discussed the company’s stocktake digitalisation project undertaken in partnership with Údarás na Gaeltachta, under the Atlantic Area funded SAFER project.

Finally Sean Keys, Software Lead at WiSAR Lab, shared WiSAR Lab’s ongoing digitalisation case study with manufacturing company Optibelt, and Dr Stephen Seawright, presented a range of funding options open to businesses to fund digitalisation projects.

Local Enterprise Week is the perfect opportunity for small businesses to dip into a specific area of interest and gather information on a topic that may be relevant to their business now or in the future. It is also a great opportunity to hear more about the various programmes and supports available through the Local Enterprise Office.