2026.02.04. – 4 min read
Transform Your Production: Horizon Europe 2026–27 Funding for Manufacturing SMEs
Manufacturing in Europe is undergoing a profound transformation driven by digitalisation, automation and the integration of advanced technologies. The Horizon Europe Work Programme 2026–27 places strong emphasis on strengthening industrial competitiveness through digital innovation, offering new opportunities for manufacturing SMEs to modernise processes, improve efficiency and participate in high-impact research and innovation actions.
A major part of this agenda is found in Cluster 4 – Digital, Industry and Space, where the European Commission introduces a comprehensive set of topics aimed at accelerating industrial digitalisation. The programme highlights advanced manufacturing technologies, factory automation, de- and re-manufacturing processes, circular industrial systems and digital-driven materials development. Several topics call for pilots with SMEs playing a central role in validating new methods, tools and digital solutions within production environments.
Industrial digitalisation also appears in the context of sustainable transformation. New topics encourage innovation that enables manufacturing companies to optimise resource use, reduce emissions, integrate renewable energy and adopt circular production practices supported by digital tools. The programme recognises that digital technologies, particularly AI, data analytics, digital twins and advanced simulation, can significantly enhance manufacturing performance and resilience.
Beyond manufacturing itself, digitalisation is closely connected to Europe’s broader environmental and energy objectives, highlighted in Cluster 5 – Climate, Energy and Mobility. Many manufacturing SMEs are also part of energy-intensive value chains, and the 2026–27 work programme includes topics that encourage digital tools for energy optimisation, intelligent monitoring systems and more resilient industrial processes. These areas increasingly rely on advanced digital capabilities, giving technology-oriented SMEs new pathways to contribute to Europe’s clean energy transition.
With the Horizon Europe 2026–27 programme placing industrial digitalisation at the core of Europe’s competitiveness strategy, manufacturing SMEs have opportunity to enhance their capabilities and participate in high-value collaborations. Whether the goal is to adopt advanced manufacturing technologies, explore new digital methods, or engage in cross-sector innovation, the upcoming calls provide a strong foundation for growth.
Working with innomine DIH, SMEs can strengthen their proposals and accelerate their journey towards a more digital, sustainable and competitive industrial future.
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