GATE 4.0 - the technological district of Tuscany for Advanced Manufacturing
About this good practice
GATE 4.0 is the Technological District for Advanced Manufacturing of the Region of Tuscany. It is in charge of bringing together enterprises, research centres and financial operators to stimulate the adoption of new technologies by Tuscan manufacturing companies and to foster the growth of people and companies.
Thanks to a network of highly specialised companies, GATE 4.0 supports the definition and development of projects through enabling technologies of Industry 4.0 and the related financing opportunities and facilities for I4.0 training of personnel.
The main enabling technologies for Industry 4.0 made available to SMEs by GATE 4.0 are:
• Robotics and Artificial Intelligence
• Big data & Analytics
• Internet of Things
• Vertical and horizontal integration
• Additive and advanced manufacturing
• Augmented and virtual reality
• Simulation
• Cloud computing
• Cyber security
Together with all required supporting tools and methodologies
Resources needed
The total public funding for this initiative is 324.000 €, covering 50% of GATE 4.0’s budget, including personnel.
Evidence of success
Project success is demonstrated by the size of the network created and the quality of the services offered.
More than 140 companies, over 20 RTOs and the 3 universities in Tuscany are part of the GATE 4.0 network.
Numerous case studies and projects are carried out in cooperation with companies of different sectors, enabling them to interface effectively with I4.0 tech (e.g. optimisation of production processes, use of cobots and high-definition vision systems, increased worker safety, etc.).
Potential for learning or transfer
The practice can be of interest to many other regions that want to improve the cooperation between enterprises and RTOs in the field of Industry 4.0 technologies.
The collaboration methods and the type of services provided by GATE 4.0 make the district attractive to companies. In this context, close cooperation is stimulated, enabling companies, especially SMEs, to gain a broader view of the opportunities offered by modern digital and electronic technologies.
GATE 4.0 can be also considered as an instrument to boost the economic development process, in particular for I4.0 topics.