Mapping of SME Digital Transformation - Industry Professionals Future Education

We applied inspired by our experience working with SMEs by the EU Commission's March 2021 proposal.SMEs are the backbone of the EU economy, contributing significantly to employment and value-added services. However, for these companies to maintain their competitiveness at local, national, or global levels, there must be a renewed emphasis on innovation and digitalization. Through the INPROFUTURE project, we aim to support SMEs in overcoming significant barriers to raising digital competencies from the bottom to the top of their organizations. Often, digital transformation processes in SMEs fail due to a lack of understanding of how digital technologies can support production, logistics, and market access. Furthermore, employees frequently lack the digital skills needed to enhance efficiency and resource utilization within their companies. Through INPROFUTURE, we aimd to empower SME management to recognize the need for skills and understand how improved digital skills among their staff can positively impact their business. Additionally, we provided tools for HR colleagues, learning specialists and adult trainers a tool to create tailored digital skills training that meets both employees' and employers' needs.

We aimed to achieve the following: 1. We wanted to help SME management understand the specific digital skills and competencies required for their business operations. By recognizing these needs, SMEs can look after digital tools and practices that enhance their productivity and competitiveness. 2. We aimed to support trainers and company L&D specialists in develthe digital skills of employees within SMEs, ensuring they are equipped to support and drive the digital transition. Enhanced digital competencies among staff contribute to more efficient and innovative business processes. 3. We sought to equip learning specialists, consultants, adult trainers with the necessary tools to develop customized digital skills training programs. These programs are designed to meet the unique needs of both employees and employers, facilitating a smoother digital transition. 4. By focusing on digital transformation, we aimed to help SMEs achieve long-term sustainability. Improved digital capabilities allow SMEs to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market, ensuring their growth and resilience. Overall, our goal was to create a supportive set of tools for SMEs (and other organisations) to embrace digitalization, leading to more innovative, effic

1. Development of a clear mapping structure, the measurable criteria, the scoring guide, an online mapping tool, and information comments inserted into the mapping tool 2. Make the mapping tool available in national languages in the Resource Platform 3. Development of the first version of the handbook 4. Development of the templates and structure to collect experiences uring pilot 5. Preparation of staff to do the pilot 6. Make 3x3 pilot 7. Collect feedback on the tools and project results 8. Exchange the results of the pilot and further develop the tools 9. Development of one case story based on the pilot/project partners and 10. Translation of handbook into national languages 11. Creation digital handbook 12. Development of the UI/UX for the platform 13. Make the platform available in different languages 14. Look after resources and implement them into the Resource Platform 15. Development of the Dissemination and Communication Plan: 16. Development of the Quality Plan: 17. Organisation and implementation of the starting and closing transnational project meetings and the online meeting 18. Dissemination activities 19. Quality assurance activities 20. Professional, financial and project management

1. We developed a web-based mapping tool to measure the degree of digitalization and relevant competencies within SMEs. This provides a clear method for assessing digital maturity and identifying areas for improvement. 2. A comprehensive handbook was created to guide SMEs in planning and implementing digital skills training and competence development. Available in four languages, the handbook includes best practices, recommendations for digital competence construction, and guidline and templates for tailored workplace-organized training 3. We established a digital resource platform that includes all tools and resources developed during the project. This platform offers SMEs, stakeholders, and educators access to valuable materials to support digital skills learning and capacity building. 4. The mapping tool and handbook were tested with at least nine SMEs across different business sectors. This pilot process involved 3-3 professionals per partner who participated in online training, enhancing their professional knowledge. 5. The project engaged a broad range of stakeholders.Their feedback and participation were crucial in refining the tools and ensuring their practical applicability in various settings.