SME manufacturers across the UK are set to benefit from a new data innovation hub being launched to help support them to improve their productivity.
The £50 million Smart Manufacturing Data Hub (SMDH) will be led by Ulster University as part of the Made Smarter programme to support SME manufacturers to adopt new digital technologies. The hub will allow businesses to capture and better utilise their data, helping them increase productivity, growth and sustainability.
The data innovation hub is expected to benefit around 10,000 UK manufacturers, and support 13,000 jobs around the country. The scheme is being supported by £20 million from the UK government backed Made Smarter Innovation Programme, along with £30 million of business co-investment.
Industry Minister Lee Rowley said:
“As we embrace the digital manufacturing revolution, it is vital manufacturers across the UK can capitalise on the productivity and growth gains that come with the adopting the latest data-led digital technologies.
“The Smart Manufacturing Data Hub, backed by £20 million of government funds, will support companies to implement cutting edge production and process techniques themselves, helping bring the next generation of products to our shelves in a more efficient and sustainable way.”
The hub will host an online Manufacturing Data Exchange Platform that will enable companies to submit their manufacturing data and receive recommendations in return, helping to improve their products and processes. A dedicated £5 million fund will then provide companies with grants to make further improvements in areas of critical importance to their business.
Virtual manufacturing testbeds will allow companies to create a “digital twin” to simulate the implementation of digital technology on their own processes, harnessing data from other manufacturers that have already adopted the technologies to encourage investment.
The SMDH will also provide manufacturers with expert analysis of their emissions and energy data from support staff specialising in data analytics and engineering, which will help them target reductions in waste, energy use and ultimately improve sustainability.
Pro Vice Chancellor Research at Ulster University Professor Liam Maguire said:
“Made Smarter provides the opportunity for innovative collaboration that will be transformative in driving industry competitiveness. At Ulster University, we have a strong track record of collaboration; using our research and technology to act as a catalyst for change, innovation and positive economic, social and environmental impact. Made Smarter is another important project in the broader realisation of the Derry and Strabane City Deal agenda, further enhancing the attractiveness of investment and driving economic growth”
The programme will initially be opened for SME manufacturers in Northern Ireland before it is made available across the UK.
The funding comes as part of the £300 million Made Smarter Innovation Challenge, first piloted in the North-west. The scheme is a collaboration between UK Government and industry designed to support the development and increased use of new and existing industrial digital technologies, including artificial intelligence and virtual reality.
