Digital skills as the key to the future

How digitally skilled are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)? Are they prepared for the future? And perhaps even more importantly: do enterprises actually know what they do not know? These questions are the focus of a practice-oriented research project carried out at The Hague University of Applied Sciences, carried out within the WE-IT / IT-verband Zuid-Holland (ITVZH) network. 

At ITVZH, the Smart Sustainable Manufacturing, Future Urban Systems and Data Science research groups at The Hague University of Applied Sciences collaborate with enterprises in the construction and manufacturing sectors. Together, they identify gaps in digital knowledge and then turn them into practical solutions. The reason is clear. Both sectors face major societal challenges, such as the energy transition, the housing challenge and circular production. At the same time, enterprises are facing staff shortages due to, amongst other things, an ageing population. ‘We simply have fewer people available, whilst there is more work to be done’, says Lucas Mastenbroek, researcher at Future Urban Systems. ‘We need to organise processes in a smarter and more efficient way, and digitalisation plays a crucial role in this.’ 

From feeling to insight

Many SMEs recognise that digitalisation is important, but do not have a clear picture of what this actually means for their organisation. Where to begin with hundreds of tools and technologies available? And how to determine which skills are needed? According to Samuel Kernan Freire, researcher in the field of data science, that is precisely the core of the problem: ‘It is not just about tools or infrastructure, but above all about knowledge. What are enterprises lacking that prevents them from using these tools effectively or from making the right choices in the first place?’ 

Combination of methods

To determine exactly what knowledge SMEs are in need of, the researchers combine various methods: surveys, interviews, case studies, and lab tests. For example, a survey was distributed among dozens of enterprises in the construction sector, while in-depth discussions and pilot projects were conducted in the manufacturing industry. The result is not a theoretical model, but a clear picture of where enterprises stand and where they need to be headed.

Practice as a starting point

What distinguishes the research is the emphasis on practical applications. Rather than simply carrying out analyses, the research groups also develop demonstrations and test set-ups. This enables enterprises to experience first-hand what digital technology can do for them. One example from the manufacturing industry is the automatic generation of work instructions based on 3D models. 'At the moment, that is often a time-consuming process', explains Rufus Fraanje, researcher in Smart Sustainable Manufacturing. 'Enterprises expect that this can be done much faster using digital techniques. We investigate how they can practically achieve that.' Another example is quality control using 3D scans and vision technology. This enables complex components to be measured and inspected automatically. Something that is still often done manually. There are opportunities in the construction sector too. Think of better use of data within projects or deploying AI to find information faster in large amounts of documentation. ‘Simply retrieving the right information within a single construction project is often a huge challenge’, according to Lucas. 

From insight to action

As well as providing insights, the research also yields concrete results. As part of the ITVZH project, the research groups are working on a validated quick scan to measure the digital maturity of SMEs. In addition, they develop interventions – such as training courses, tools and meetings – in which enterprises learn and experiment together. It is striking that enterprises are primarily in need of practical, accessible forms of learning. ‘Hands-on work sessions and short training courses are mentioned most often,’ says Lucas. 

Digital coordination

Customised solutions require a relatively large amount of time and resources. That is why the researchers are looking for a middle ground: generic modules that meet a wide range of needs, but that are also applicable in practice. A promising direction is training ‘digital coordinators’ within enterprises: employees who act as internal drivers and help spread knowledge further. New forms of education are also being looked into, such as micro-credentials and modular, labour market-oriented training courses.

Central access

Although the project ends this summer, the researchers view it primarily as a starting point. An important next step is to create a central point of contact for SMEs: a single place where they can go with questions about digitalisation, training and collaboration. ‘There are already plenty of initiatives’, says Samuel, ‘but they are scattered. It is extremely helpful if there is one clear entry point for enterprises.’ Also collaboration remains essential. Within ITVZH, the education sector, the public sector and the business community work together to strengthen digitalisation in a structural way. The objective is for SMEs not only to keep up technologically, but also to look ahead strategically. Rufus sums it up as follows: ‘Enterprises really want to innovate, but it must be practical and feasible. Our research helps making that step smaller and more concrete.’ 

Contact

Would you like to learn more about the project or collaborate with us? Visit our project page or contact one of our researchers:

• Rufus Fraanje (Research Group Smart Sustainable Manufacturing, Centre of Expertise Digital Operations & Finance) 
• Lucas Mastenbroek (Research Group Future Urban Systems, Centre of Expertise Mission Zero)
• Samuel Kernan Freire (Research Group Data Science, Centre of Expertise Health Innovation)