Digital Surge Programme
About this good practice
Digital Surge supports businesses; in the new reality of trading in a COVID-19 recovery context, to shift and pivot business models, via adoption of advanced digital tools.
SMEs embark on a digital transformation journey geared at integration of digital technologies into key business areas, changing how they operate and deliver value.
The Programme aims:
•Drive digital inclination aligned to an innovation roadmap
•Demystify advanced digital technologies /tools through high quality ideation support, good practices and active experimentation
•A digital acceleration plan to route more intensive supports in the digital innovation ecosystem
Eligible companies will receive:
•Specialist 1to1 Mentoring Support
•Masterclass/showcasing workshops
•Cross-sectoral networking cluster events
•Completion of a Digital Acceleration Plan and Onward Routing onto more intensive supports in the digital innovation ecosystem
Delivery Structure
Each SME registered onto the programme will receive the following:
•A diagnostic report outlining an innovation & digital transformation plan written for your organisation.
•A digital acceleration plan routing to more intensive supports & funding.
•One to one mentoring (6 days) with advanced technology experts
•Innovation Workshops
•Advanced Technology Workshops in the following areas:
o Robotics / Co-botics
o Big Data
o Immersive Tech
o Internet of Things
o Block Chain
o Artificial Intelligence
Resources needed
The total value of the Surge Programme is £342,204
The programme is funding through ERDF, Invest NI and each local authority
Evidence of success
The programme has supported 7 applications (4 approved to date).
SMEs registered have access to and have received the following support:
- Attendance at any of the 26 half day workshops on the fundamentals of Digital Surge
- Attendance at any of the 30 masterclasses covering: IOT, Big Data, Block Chain, AI & Machine Learning, Immersive Tech & Robotics
- Specialist Mentoring Support up to 6 days per SME
- Access to 25 cluster networking events
- Innovation Road Map and Digital Acceleration Plan
Potential for learning or transfer
The strategic fit of the project with relevant policy improvements from the national, NI and sub-regional context is highlighted below.
The project demonstrates a strong alignment structured along the four themes below:
-Driving productivity –enabling SMEs to digitally transform and focusing on the utilisation of data, enhancing their productivity and competitive position
-Responding to COVID19 –the pandemic accelerated the reliance upon digital technology which NI businesses must be equipped to respond to. Through this project; SMEs will be supported to build their capacity and make substantial steps in driving forward digitally driven innovation
-Balanced growth -throughout the region providing a consistent offer for SMEs enabling them to make substantial digital transformation
-Digital & Data Capability – providing a support structure to enable SMEs to recognise the transformation opportunity of digitalisation and to build their capacity, digital resilience and capability