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.

ItItacro2127PortletLeaderpartnerCard

Lead partner

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

CNA Ferrara Association

Search Card

News & Events

  • 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.

  • NEWS
    26/08/2026

    Services for SMEs – Tailored Support for Digital Transformation

    Tailored support for Blue Economy SMEs included targeted training, expert analysis and practical guidance to support digital transformation, Industry 4.0 adoption and future investments.

  • NEWS
    19/08/2026

    Services for SMEs – Practical Support for Digital Transformation

    Tailored support for Blue Economy SMEs, combining business needs analysis, Industry 4.0 knowledge transfer and practical guidance for digital transformation.

  • NEWS
    05/08/2026

    Exploring the Potential of VR and Industry 4.0 for Blue Economy SMEs

    The use of VR and Industry 4.0 technologies in Blue Economy SMEs, with a focus on employee training, business processes and digital transformation.

  • NEWS
    30/07/2026

    Showcasing Digital Innovation in the Blue Economy at Aquarium

    A promotional video showcases Aquarium Pula’s photobioreactor technology and its role in advancing digitalisation, innovation and sustainability in the Blue Economy.