Flanders has launched seven living labs where companies can easily get acquainted with and test out industry 4.0 applications in a realistic environment.
Living labs are user-centred, open innovation ecosystems based on a systematic user co-creation approach integrating research and innovation processes in real life conditions. Companies can use living labs to test new technologies, products and processes in realistic conditions, while receiving feedback from end-users.
In Flanders, 7 living labs related to industry 4.0 are supported through public funding for the period 2018-2021. The living labs were selected by an expert committee based on the results of a project call. They are geographically spread out in Flanders. Most likely there will be a second round of calls in 2019.
The selected living labs tackle the following topics:
- Agrifood Pilot 4.0
- Smart maintenance
- Predictive maintenance and industrial dataspace
- Smart connectivity
- Digital servitisation
- Operator support
- Smart factories: collaborative work 4.0
Missions of the living labs are:
- Stimulate companies towards Industry 4.0 concepts (early majority and other firms)
- Boost the use of new technologies by providing a save environment
- Realise spill overs (skills, promotion of Industry 4.0, …)
- Reinforce the Industry 4.0 network in Flanders
The Government of Flanders also aims to create a platform/network for these living labs. This could facilitate the process of attracting SMEs to the living labs. It is important that SMEs know how the living labs can help them in their innovation efforts.
Resources needed
3,5 million euro funding from the Flemish Government to support 7 living labs for the period 2018-2021 (beneficiairies: 5 research and cluster organisations who are responsible for managing the living labs)
Evidence of success
The project started three months ago, so no evidence has been collected yet.
Difficulties encountered
Challenges for living labs: Attract enough and the right firms / Get clear and documented results in the field
Challenges for Govt: Stimulate collaboration between the living labs (joint communication, sharing of information)
Challenges for firms: Understand impact of industry 4.0 / collaborate
Potential for learning or transfer
- Setting up and connecting living labs with a thematic focus
- How to attract SMEs to living labs
- How to foster collaboration between SMEs in the context of living labs
Tags: RIS3, Infrastructure
