Header - Acronym and Title

icon priority
1 - Sustainable growth in the blue economy
SO 1.1 - Research and innovation

BEST4.0

Blue Economy Sectors Digital Transformation towards Industry 4.0

Information - Card

Information

Start date
01/02/2024
End date
31/10/2026
Total budget
1.799.258,00
Partnership
IT - 4
HR - 4
Project typology:
Standard project

Project specific objectives - Card

Project specific objectives

  • To assessing and involving SMEs operating in the Blue Economy sectors in the adoption of the I4.0 key principles, according to their emerging needs.
  • To foster the action of the DIHs, and to create a cross-border network of DIHs for the adoption of I4.0 key principles by SMEs operating in the Blue Economy sectors.
  • To enable DIHs to act as catalysts of new forms of businesses, innovative I4.0 solutions and capacity building path supporting the SMEs operating in the Blue Economy Sector.

Project main outputs - Card

Project main outputs

  • Cross-Border Catalogue of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) Services for SMEs of the Blue Economy. 
  • Cross-Border Digital Innovation Hubs (DIH) Network. 
  • Innovative business solutions and Industry 4.0 applications to SMEs in the Blue Economy sectors.
  • Capacity-building programs which will support approximately 80 SMEs.
  • Organizing exchange visits for the DIH network and fostering collaboration to assess the needs of SMEs in adopting Industry 4.0 principles.
  • Supporting around 160 SMEs to introduce product or process innovations.

About section

About

BEST4.0 addresses the need for innovation and digitalization in the Blue Economy sectors along the Adriatic Sea. The project aims to connect businesses and research centers to apply advanced Industry 4.0 principles, enhancing production and processes. By establishing Digital Innovation Hubs (DiHs), the project seeks to close the gap between regions with varying performance levels, fostering innovation and competitiveness. Key goals include creating a catalogue of digital solutions for the Blue Economy, building a network of Digital Innovation Hubs to support SMEs in their digital transformation, and providing innovative solutions and support to 80 SMEs in the Blue Economy sectors. Through collaboration among organizations, BEST4.0 aims to drive significant improvements in SME processes and outcomes within the Blue Economy.

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Lead partner

The Lead partner represents and takes full financial and legal responsibility for the entire partnership.

CNA Ferrara Association
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News & Events

  • NEWS
    29/10/2026

    Together Towards a More Innovative and Sustainable Future!

    BEST 4.0 comes to an end. Thank you to all partners, businesses and participants for the collaboration, shared knowledge and achievements. The journey continues!

    Read more
  • NEWS
    02/10/2026

    From Projects to Lasting Impact: BEST4.0 Final Cross-Border Event Held in Šibenik

    On 1 October, DIH Agrifood Croatia hosted the BEST4.0 final cross-border event in Šibenik, presenting the I4.0 Services Catalogue, the Cross-Border DIH Network and future Blue Economy needs.

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  • NEWS
    28/09/2026

    Dissemination event online – HGK Split and DIH Agrifood Croatia

    On 24 September, HGK – County Chamber Split and DIH Agrifood Croatia hosted an online BEST4.0 dissemination event, presenting results of SME support in digitalisation and Industry 4.0 adoption in the Blue Economy.

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  • EVENT
    08/09/2026
    Start date:
    01 Oct 2026
    End date:
    01 Oct 2026

    Final Cross-Border Event: Blue Economy in Different Dimensions

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  • NEWS
    02/09/2026

    Services for SMEs – Business Analysis, Export Readiness and Digital Transformation

    Business analysis, export readiness and digital transformation support for nautical SMEs, with practical guidance for improving competitiveness, planning investments and adopting Industry 4.0 solutions.

    Read more
ALL NEWS & EVENTS