On June 25th, 2024, during the Madeira Digital Transformation Summit, Farmakis Timoleon, researcher at ELTRUN – The E-Business Research Center of the Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB), participated in a panel discussion titled “Digital Approaches to Achieve Circular, Resilient, and Sustainable Supply Chains.” This event was a key part of the prestigious Madeira Digital Transformation Week, which featured five major events: the 30th ICE/IEEE ITMC Conference, the 2nd edition of the Madeira Digital Transformation Summit, the EIT Health Transformation Talks, the CyberSecPro Summer School, and the NITIM Graduate School.
Highlight on Tech4Masses Project:
One of the critical areas of discussion was the enabling technologies for Manufacturing as a Service (MaaS), which is the focus of the Tech4Masses project. The project aims to leverage advanced technologies to transform traditional manufacturing processes into flexible, service-oriented models. Key technologies discussed include:
- Digital Twins: Creating virtual replicas of physical assets to optimize and predict performance.
- Data Spaces: Facilitating secure and efficient data sharing across manufacturing ecosystems.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): Enhancing decision-making processes and operational efficiency through intelligent automation and analytics.
Panel Discussion Overview:
Innovative economic strategies are essential in emerging challenges like climate change and resource scarcity. These strategies should enhance the sustainability and profitability of products while boosting the resilience of communities and industries. The shift towards circularity—transforming waste into valuable resources—is a crucial step in this direction. This panel explored the transformative potential of circularity and servitization within manufacturing, emphasizing their roles in fostering sustainability and resilience.
Key Topics Discussed:
- Collaborative Business Models: Transitioning from profit-based to circular economy models and exploring Manufacturing as a Service (MaaS).
- Enabling Technologies for Collaborative Value Networks: Including Digital Twins, Data Spaces, and AI.
- Enabling Technologies for Manufacturing as a Service (MaaS).
- Governance Perspective and Certification: Covering data sharing, data policies, and certification processes.
- Digital Product Passport Approaches.
Moderator:
- Richard Stevens, Associate Vice President and Director of the Government Consulting unit at IDC
Panelists:
- Margherita Forcolin, Project Manager at Gruppo Maggioli
- Timoleon Farmakis, Consultant and Project Manager at the E-Business Research Center of the Athens University of Economics and Business
- Gabriella Monteleone, Research & Innovation Manager at Politecnico di Milano
The Madeira Digital Transformation Week attracted a diverse audience, including academic experts, industry professionals from large corporations and SMEs, and representatives from the European Commission and governmental bodies. This mix of attendees offered great potential for networking and collaboration, enhancing the reach and impact of the discussions.
Stay tuned for more updates and advancements from the Tech4Masses project.