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Smart Industry

The Netherlands is a frontrunner in Europe in terms of a strong digital economy. This is partly due to a national network of knowledge and test centers (field labs). Hundreds of SMEs are collaborating on more innovative production processes for the manufacturing industry. These new processes offer higher efficiency and more flexibility.

Innovation within Smart Industry is essential to maintain and further expand the leading position of the Dutch industrial sector. Intensive collaboration between knowledge organisations and the business sector is a prerequisite for this.

In the field of innovation known as Smart Industry, many technologies and concepts converge to digitize industrial processes and enhance productivity. Holland High Tech supports this development in the Smart Industry innovation domain, driving innovation through strategic programs and public-private partnerships.

The development and adoption of Smart Industry applications are crucial for labour productivity growth. They also cater to the growing demand for high-tech products and services. Holland High Tech stimulates innovation in the field of Smart Industry for consortia of research organisations and companies with subsidies from the government's PPS Innovation Scheme.

Programme Council

John Blankendaal

Programme Council member

Smart Industry

LinkedIn profile

Innovation Domain

Smart Industry is one of the innovation domains of Holland High Tech, the top sector for High-Tech Systems and Materials. In this innovation domain, the application of the latest knowledge from various technologies comes together. Look at the overview of Holland High Tech for details on our funded R&D programmes and projects.

Technology

The multidisciplinary nature of Smart Industry requires the use of a wide range of technologies, including:

  • Internet of Things (IoT): Machines, products, and systems are gaining the ability to exchange data.

  • Advanced Manufacturing Technologies: Robotics, 3D printing, and nanotechnology offer opportunities to innovate industrial processes.

  • Big Data and AI: The increasing availability of production data calls for the use of artificial intelligence to distil valuable information from the data quickly.

  • Cloud Computing: Efficient collaboration, fast data processing, and secure storage make the use of advanced cloud technology necessary.

  • Mechatronics and Optomechatronics: Smart production machines, robotics, and autonomous production processes require continuous development of these technologies.

  • Imaging technologies (sensing): High-quality production is impossible without optimal monitoring of materials and (intermediate) products through advanced image processing and analysis.

Applications

The Smart Industry Innovation Domain has an impact on various aspects of industry:

  • Digital factory: Production systems come online and digitally and securely share production data. Integrated software systems enable automated control for efficient operations.

  • Flexible production systems: Automated production facilities are transforming with the use of artificial intelligence into autonomous systems that can adapt to changing conditions.

  • Smart products and services: Smart Industry technologies enable innovation in products, product-service systems, and business models, allowing for customisation at mass production costs.

  • Robotics and automation: AI-powered robots and automation systems perform repetitive or unsafe tasks, leading to increased productivity and efficiency.

  • Energy management and savings: Sensors and AI optimise the energy efficiency of machines and equipment, resulting in cost savings and reduced environmental impact.

  • Supply chains: Digital integration of production processes and supply chains makes the Netherlands a flexible and integrated production network.

These aspects make Smart Industry crucial for the Netherlands' technological advancement.

Synergies with other Innovation Domains

Smart Industry overlaps with various other innovation domains:

Imaging Technologies

3D imaging, machine vision, and advanced image analysis techniques make it possible to monitor and optimise production processes accurately.

Mechatronics & Optomechatronics

These technologies are essential for the development of advanced robotics and automation systems in data-driven manufacturing.

Energy Materials

Improving energy efficiency is one of the goals of Smart Industry. New materials for batteries, electrolysers, and thermal storage systems make it possible to achieve that goal.

Semiconductor Technologies

Semiconductor technologies are fundamental to the development of the sensors, microchips, and integrated circuits that form the backbone of Smart Industry.

Systems Engineering

Smart manufacturing processes require an interdisciplinary approach to achieve optimally integrated applications.

Projects Smart Industry

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News about Innovation Domains

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Innovation

Innovation is essential for the Netherlands. We are working on smart innovations to address urgent transitions: Dutch solutions for global challenges. With technological innovation and unique expertise, we, as a country, anticipate future safety, autonomy, job security, and income. Holland High Tech amplifies the impact of innovation. Discover more about how we do this through our focus on urgent transitions and the innovation domains that provide solutions.

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