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An analysis of drivers, barriers and readiness factors of EU companies for adopting advanced manufacturing products and technologies

Author: DG GROW Publication date: Jan 2017
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Advanced Manufacturing Technologies (AMT) are key to industrial competitiveness, growth and job creation in Europe. This study identifies the main reasons for their adoption by companies: reducing production costs, improving the quality of products and services, improving the firms’ employees’ productivity and reducing production lead time. It shows that the uptake of these technologies creates benefits to SMEs from a not only technological but also economic perspective.
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Abstract

However, the majority of manufacturing firms in the European Union are not yet using any AMT, with notable differences across sectors and countries and depending on the size of the company. This study helps understand which the key obstacles to investment in AMT are, e.g. finances, availability of skills, business and technology risks.

To overcome these obstacles, the study recommends various actions at the regional, national and European levels and at clusters' level, to pursue four main objectives:

  1. Strengthen capacities for small and medium-sized companies regarding skills, local ecosystems and access to finance
  2. Promote the uptake of high-end AMT through joint pilot plants and demonstrators, a better exploitation of the Framework Research Programme  and standardisation
  3. Support new service-based business models for the diffusion of AMT
  4. Improve the alignment of European, national and regional policies

 

This study gives interesting insights for all policy-makers in industry matters and business support providers.