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Digital Change Agents (DCA)

An EU-funded initiative, with partners from both education and industry, who are passionate about supporting SMEs in the Food and Beverage(F&B) sector as they adapt to digital transformation.

Our ambition is to empower SMEs in the F&B sector to develop the knowledge and skills they need to respond to rapid digital advancement in their industry.

The need for DIGIFABS

The Food and Beverage sector is the largest manufacturing sector in the EU, making a major contribution to the EU economy.

SMEs in the F&B sector struggle to adopt new technologies and create sustainable digital transformation. They currently lag behind general emerging technology potential by more than 20% on average. The impact of the pandemic, the war in Ukraine, climate change, and changes in both labour patterns and demand highlight the need for more integrated digital technology in the sector. It requires skilled people who can strategically guide digital transformation projects in the industry, acting as Digital Change Agents in the F&B sector.

Aims of DIGIFABS

To enhance digital skills and knowledge within the food and beverage sector.

To enable digital transformation in manufacturing SMEs in the food and beverage sector.

To equip the next generation of employees with a new skill set that can ensure a sustainable future for the food and beverage sector.

Who will DIGIFABS help and impact?

The initiative has three primary target audiences and focuses on developing additional skills and knowledge so they can contribute to the digital advancement of the F&B processing industry.

DIGIFABS provide opportunities for educators, students and SMEs to equip themselves with the necessary skill set to develop agile and resilient food production systems. We will highlight good practices across Europe and ensure skill transfer to bring an understanding of technological advances. to our target audiences in a way that is appropriate for their current level of knowledge.

Educators

Students of Business, Engineering/IT and Nutritional Sciences

SMEs in the food and beverage sector

Key Activities of DIGIFABS

Investigation

Knowledge Creation

Developing & Testing

Sharing & Promoting

Sustainability

The benefits of DIGIFABS

For Educators

The opportunity to advance their skills in new digital tools and technologies that can be incorporated into their teaching and research, leading to greater innovation and impact in their fields.

For Students

To develop better knowledge and insight into developments in the European F&B sector and its struggle with digital transformation. Gaining practical experience in using digital tools and technologies in the context of the F&B sector which could increase their employability.

For SMEs

Leveraging the learning about digital tools and technologies from DIGIFABS can create new opportunities and enhance their digital innovation capabilities and capacity. The sector will benefit from the newly acquired skills of graduates and students leading to improved performance, competitiveness and resilience in the global market.

The DIGIFABS Partners

Funded by the ERASMUS+ Alliances for Innovation programme, the DIGIFABS consortium comprises fourteen partners from seven European countries. Partners include representatives from HEIs, VETs, SMEs, Public Bodies and NGOs. The breadth and depth of their expertise and experience create a solid foundation for successfully achieving the project goals.