Empowering Manufacturing SMEs to Navigate the Data Economy

We are excited to announce the official kick-off of the VET4DATACOOPERATION project (Training for Manufacturing Stakeholders to Foster Opportunities for Data Cooperation, co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme, Project ID 2025-1-DE02-KA220-VET-000352959).

This week, the consortium gathered in Vienna for a productive face-to-face meeting hosted by INI-Novation in the meeting rooms of EIT Manufacturing East GmbH, marking the beginning of this European collaboration.

The project aims to develop accessible learning and training modules for Gaia-X compliant data sharing, specifically tailored to companies—particularly SMEs—that face challenges in adopting data spaces. By focusing on trust, interoperability, and practical usability, VET4DATACOOPERATION will help manufacturing stakeholders navigate the evolving data economy with confidence.

During the meeting, partners discussed the strategic direction of the project, aligning on priorities, responsibilities, and the structure of upcoming training modules. The consortium agreed on a range of learning materials to support stakeholders, including:

Practical online courses and interactive learning resources.
Real-world examples of data ecosystem requirements.
Guidance on skills and capabilities needed for effective participation in data spaces.
Good practice examples and interactive magazines to make knowledge engaging and actionable.

With the combined expertise of the consortium in data sharing, Gaia-X initiatives, and vocational training, the project is well-positioned to deliver impactful and sustainable results for the European manufacturing community. All outcomes will be shared across multiple platforms, enabling SMEs and other stakeholders to strategically leverage data spaces for business growth, innovation, and competitiveness.

Stay tuned for more updates as VET4DATACOOPERATION progresses and continues to empower manufacturing companies across Europe!