Learning Network – Digital acceleration - West

Industrial managers in the driving seat for a competitive production 

Digitalisation is not a goal in itself. The question is: which technologies will make the difference on your production floor? This learning network brings together manufacturers (pilot companies), and experts to share insights and accelerate relevant digitalisation, as a stepping stone towards a new accelerator experiment. 
 

For whom?

• Higher-level management (director, VP or similar) responsible for digitalisation and automation initiatives (Pilot Case Owner, PCO)
• Cooperation-minded specialists who will align on specific topics with knowledgeable specialists from other companies (Single Point of Contact, SPOC)
• Manufacturing companies willing to exchange knowledge in a confidential setting and engage as a committed participant 
   

Not meant for

• Sales people or developers
• R&D suppliers (technology providers)
• Directly competing companies (*) 
   

Key insights

6 half-day sessions bring together a limited, like-minded group of manufacturers (pilot companies). What is discussed within the network stays within the network. Suppliers and R&D partners from the previous accelerator project will contribute upon invitation as guest speakers (e.g. during visits to the pilot lines). Participants share cases, challenges and solutions around 4 core themes.

• Digital end-to-end: from product design to value chain steering
• Digital support of operator 4.0: empowering people on the production floor
• Digital twin of the production line (and beyond): simulation and modelling for smarter decisions
• End-to-end flexible/smart automation: beyond island automation 

Practical information

• Participation fee is per company and includes 6 technical workshops
• 1 registration per company
• Attendance: Max 2 persons per company (PCO + SPOC)
• (*) We reserve the right to select participants to ensure a homogeneous group.
• Number of participants is limited, order of registration will be taken into account to confirm participation.
   

By registering, you agree to the following:

• Your name and company name will be shared with other participants in the network
• Photos taken during sessions may be shared within the network. No external use, unless with your explicit written permission
• All participants are required to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) prior to the first session. View the NDA here

Programme

6 half-day sessions, starting September 2026. Each session will be hosted by organisations such as Picanol, Vandewiele, CNH, Atlas Copco, DAF Trucks, Sirris or Flanders Make.  

Flemish companies can take advantage of a subsidy from VLAIO for this course

This programme is part of Industriepartnershap in which 13 Flemish innovation partners offer an integrated service to stimulate growth and innovation in the Flemish industry in the 6 following themes: AI, Cybersecurity, Circularity, Digitisation, Climate & Energy and Industry 4.0. They do so under the leadership of Agoria and Sirris and with the support of Agentschap Innoveren & Ondernemen.

©Sirris