8 February 2017

EU discusses #DigitiseEU – Ceemet contributes

The European Commission organised for the 1st time to a 2-day big stakeholder conference to discuss digitalisation in European industry.

The objective from the Commission and the Member States was to address, interlink and consult stakeholders from the entire digital value chain.

As representative of the manufacturing industry and a with the intelligence of what questions need to be answered ( summarised in the “Digitalisation and the World of Work” report – a finalist for Award as Best Industry Intelligence Provider ) Ceemet showed up with high level representatives.

Ceemet Vice President Ineke Dezentjé Hamming-Bluemink participated in the1st panel on ‘Mastering the Digitisation of Industry in Europe’. During the high-level debate she made a clear point on reminding that ‘lifelong learning is a shared responsibility’ and that digitalisation is ‘Do or die’ for European SMEs.

Ceemet Director General Uwe Combüchen seized the opportunity to exchange with the various stakeholders amongst which Deputy Director General Khalil Rouhana of DG CONNECT.

The 2nd day Ceemet proudly noticed that several of its members were presenting their national initiatives on digitisation of industry/Industry 4.0 during the debate and workshops.

It shows that Ceemet’s expertise is highly valued and that its membership is already now actively promoting the digitalisation of industry. One of the important issues, brought forward by Ceemet President Diego Andreis, is the calling for the change of mind-set. There will be no solution to close the skills gap or the need of digital skills if education is not changing.