The digitisation of the construction sector, namely of its process and products, is part of the Industry 4.0 revolution that is increasingly embracing different fields and technologies. Building Information Modelling (BIM) is the methodology that supports this transformation, while the Internet of Things (IoT) will provide the opportunity to validate the real consequences of implementation of digital models.

“Industrial sectors should start or enhance programmes towards industrial digitisation. […] Several sectors have already taken significant effort towards broader awareness about digitisation, including construction.” (European Commission)[1]

The possibilities opened up by Industry 4.0 give SMEs in the construction industry many solutions to boost their productivity by proposing cost-effective, sustainable and increasingly green solutions. Digitisation offers an unleashed potential for construction businesses of all sizes and maturity. Whilst deciding the best strategy to embrace the digitisation in construction constitutes a challenge, ignoring the increasing uptake of digital methods is not one of the options.

This initiative is an opportunity for micro enterprises and SMEs, as well as other stakeholders, to discuss and exchange views about how SMEs can step into the digitisation of the construction industry and keep playing an essential role to secure Europe’s leading position in the future global economy. SMAU, the most important Italian trade fair for the ICT sector, hosts European ICT business talks and a dedicated public Round Table on Digitisation, Industry 4.0 and SMEs.

The workshop will be an opportunity for SMEs and startups in the digital and construction sector to get first-hand information about the European strategy for the involvement of SMEs in the digitisation of the construction industry. At the same time, this session will offer the chance for European institutions representatives to hear directly the voice of SMEs willing to embark and support this digital revolution.

Click here to register and attend the event.

For more information concerning the event please contact the European DIGITAL SME Alliance at office@digitalsme.eu or +32 2 8955720

Reference:

[1] Digitising European Industry: Working Group 2 – Digital Industrial Platforms

PROGRAM

SMAU, Milan, October 25^th 2017 (SMAU – V.le Lodovico Scarampo 2, 20149)

12:00 Welcome and Introduction: Luca Tavani – CNA ICT

Impulse statements

12:05 Lutz Köppen, European Commission: The European approach to develop a world-class digital construction sector

12:10 Eugenio Quintieri, European Builders Confederation: Construction SMEs and sustainable construction: BIM for the retrofitting of existing buildings

12:15  Panel discussion and questions from the audience

• Lutz Köppen – European Commission
• Eugenio Quintieri – European Builders Confederation
• On. Chiara Braga – Partito Democratico
• Mario Turco – CNA Edilizia
• Filippo Dalla Villa – CNA Comunicazione

Moderated by Sebastiano Toffaletti – European DIGITAL SME Alliance

12:50 Conclusions: Fabio Massimo – CNA ICT

13:00 Networking lunch for registered participants

15:00 – 16:30 Workshop on the EU strategy for Construction 4.0 (for invited participants only)

Organisers:

The European DIGITAL SME Alliance is the largest network ICT small and medium sized enterprises in Europe, representing about 20.000 digital SMEs across the EU. The alliance is the joint effort of 28 national and regional SME associations from EU member states and neighbouring countries to put digital SME at the centre of the EU agenda.

CNA is the Italian Confederation representing Handicrafts and Small and Medium Enterprises. CNA represents and defends the interests of micro, small and medium-sized businesses operating in the fields of manufacturing, construction, services, transport, trade and tourism, and medium industries. 

With the support of:

The European Builders Confederation is the voice of construction SMEs in Europe. EBC aims at creating an SME-friendly business environment.

Avignon Academy acts as a think tank and scientific body to help Craft and SME associations in their policy work as well as create a network of researchers working on issues relevant for SMEs.