An €8.3 million cross-border initiative targeting digital transformation for manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises across the island of Ireland has been launched, according to a report by The Manufacturer.

The Digital Transformation for Manufacturing SMEs programme, known as DATUM, is delivered jointly by the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre at Queen's University Belfast and Irish Manufacturing Research, headquartered in Mullingar. The programme is funded through PEACEPLUS, an EU initiative managed by the Special EU Programmes Body.

Up to 100 manufacturing SMEs are expected to participate, receiving structured support that moves companies from digital readiness assessment through to hands-on technology implementation. Organisers described DATUM as going beyond conventional consultancy by embedding expert partners directly within participating businesses, providing funded access to advanced manufacturing technologies and reducing financial risk for smaller operators.

Ireland's Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke said the programme demonstrated how cross-border collaboration could drive innovation and sustainable growth, noting it would help manufacturers navigate barriers including skills shortages, cost concerns and uncertainty around technology adoption.

Northern Ireland Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said DATUM would provide SMEs with tools to boost productivity and competitiveness while strengthening cross-border manufacturing partnerships across the island.

IMR chief executive Barry Kennedy said many SMEs struggled to identify which digital tools would genuinely improve performance, and that DATUM would guide companies from assessment through to implementation with expert support embedded directly in their operations.

Queen's University Belfast president Professor Sir Ian Greer said the programme would translate research capability into practical support while building resilience across the broader manufacturing sector. AMIC was established to strengthen the global competitiveness of Northern Ireland's manufacturing base through applied innovation.

Find out how DATUM is reshaping digital transformation support for manufacturing SMEs in the full article.