FactoryXChange receives €5.7m to transform manufacturing

The manufacturing support body FactoryXChange 2.0 has received €5.7m in funding to help businesses in the sector to undergo digital transformations. The funding for FactoryXChange, (FXC), which is part of the European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) initiative, came from the European Commission and Enterprise Ireland. The EDIH programme aims to improve competitiveness in businesses, particularly SMEs, and public sector organisations, through digital transformation tactics including AI, cybersecurity and automation. More than 250 of these hubs have been set up across Europe to act as “one-stop shops” for businesses by offering access to technical expertise, financing advice, training and skills development, and industry insights. FXC is led by Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) and is supported by 17 expert partners nationwide. FXC 2.0 has secured 40% funding (€2.3m) from the European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) programme with match funding of 60% (€3.4m) from Enterprise Ireland. According to the Central Statistics Office (CSO), the manufacturing sector directly employs more than 220,000 people. It accounts for over 34% of Ireland’s GDP – more than double the European average of 15%. In 2023, goods exports reached €197.25bn, generating €13.7bn in wages, €3.03bn in income tax, and more than €10bn in corporation tax. FactoryXChange is coordinated by Karin Jancykova, Senior Programme Manager, Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) and operates through a national network of consortia of partners in digital innovation, AI and robotics. Together, the consortium makes advanced digital tools and expertise accessible to businesses and public sector bodies across the country. To date, it has supported over 495 Irish enterprises, public organisations and SMEs to become more competitive in their business and production processes through digital transformation. Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, said: “Extending the European Digital Innovation Hub programme in Ireland into Phase 2 ensures that our SMEs will continue to access world-class digitalisation support. FactoryXChange 2.0 has received €5.7m in funding to help SMEs in the manufacturing sector to upskill "By maintaining this momentum, we are increasing Ireland’s competitiveness and enabling enterprises across Ireland to future-proof their operations. "This continued investment reflects our commitment to making advanced digital technologies accessible for every region and sector.”  

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