Strengthening SMEs through digital innovations
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are particularly flexible and quick to open up new markets, and are therefore genuine drivers of innovation. This is especially important in new fields of research, where speed is of the essence. Therefore, innovative SMEs with strong research capabilities play a key role in enabling key technologies to be rapidly translated into marketable products and services.
The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) has been supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with their innovation potential for many years with the "KMU-innovativ" and "KI4KMU" funding initiatives. The core element is the networking of SMEs with cutting-edge research in joint research projects. The ministry invites representatives from BMBF funding measures in the ICT sector to participate in discussions and networking. The event offers an opportunity to present innovations, exchange experiences and network with participants from industry and research beyond project boundaries. Dr. Wolfgang Köhler, head of fortiss Mittelstand, will participate in the panel discussion "Digital transformation in SMEs: How do AI solutions become innovation drivers for small and medium-sized enterprises?" on November 22.
There will be a varied program with experts from the industry, impulses, insights into the latest developments. The heart of the conference is a digital poster and demonstrator exhibition of KMU-innovativ projects in the following technology fields:
Networking areas and information booths will provide additional space for productive exchange and advice on BMBF offerings. Another focus of the conference is to support SME representatives in fleshing out new research ideas. Discussions with experts from university and non-university research, as well as advice from project management staff, are intended to provide guidance on content-related and formal questions.
