Abstract:

Companies compete in markets that are increasingly globalised and changing. This type of competition requires that current managers, as well as future entrepreneurs, are ready to adapt to changes in the environment. Companies must therefore be flexible and innovative to be able to offer new products. In line with the production of new solutions, another competitive advantage for companies is flexibility in production, which is usually given by the integration of 4.0 technologies such as robotics or 3D printing.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of Europe’s economy, representing 99% of all business in the EU which has a high impact on job creation, economic growth, and social stability of the population. In addition, micro and small companies (0-50 employees) are the ones who employ the most and make the most of the added value in the overall SMEs. As different authors state, the integration of 4.0 technologies is very complex, especially in artisanal and traditional sectors such as furniture, footwear, etc.

However, the integration of these new technologies for craft industry is innovative and essential at the same time for the thrive of these businesses. Often, companies won’t know where to start or make it happen. This challenge is the reason why partners from all over Europe gathered their expertise on the topic, to identify and define the skills needed to implement 3D Printing and Advanced Industrial Robotics in craft enterprises.

The ACCESS-3DP project have developed a training offer to gain skills needed to implement this technological change in companies. This will give companies multiple advantages: faster adaptation to consumer demand; shorter design, production and sales cycles; the ability to produce in a more customised way; considerable cost savings through more efficient production; and so on.

To this end, this project course is made up of six modules:
- The first one is about the introduction of the innovation process in traditional sectors companies.
- Then, in the second module, users will learn all about design thinking.
- At the end of the third module, users will be able to describe all the basic concepts about 3D printing and its production process.
- The fourth module will provide deep knowledge of 3D printing technology in terms of application in traditional and non-traditional sectors.
- In module 5, users will be able to develop new business ideas based on concepts of entrepreneurship by using 3D printing.
- Lastly, users will find a module related to Advanced Industrial Robotics, its possibilities, and the potential capability to couple with 3D printing.

Keywords:

3D printing, robotics, craft, traditional sectors, SMEs, training.