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The growth of cutting-edge industries such as industrial automation and artificial intelligence (AI) can help ensure economic sustainability and well-paying jobs for citizens. Regions that have excellent educational, research and industrial resources are more likely to foster local businesses and become attractive destinations for qualified workers.
“Over the past few decades, the unequal development of industry, education and research has led to the phenomenon of a ‘brain-drain’ in certain parts of Europe, with workers moving elsewhere to find jobs,” explains EPIC project coordinator, Elisabeth Zudor, from the Institute for Computer Science and Control (HUN-REN SZTAKI) in Hungary.
“This leaves little space for the creation of competitive local businesses. Governments are beginning to recognise the need to address this challenge, in order to speed up economic development.”
A focal point for high-tech industries
The EPIC project was launched to facilitate economic development and innovation in Hungary. The aim was to put in place a collaborative arrangement, train future generations of highly qualified professionals and support the development of a sustainable and competitive European manufacturing sector.
Central to this has been the establishment of a knowledge Centre of Excellence in Production Informatics and Control (EPIC CoE), based at Zudor’s home institution. The EPIC CoE, located at HUN-REN SZTAKI, was formed by bringing together expertise from Hungarian, Austrian and German organisations.
“Our hope is that the EPIC CoE will become a leading, internationally acknowledged focal point in the field of production informatics, management and control representing excellence in research, development and innovation,” adds Zudor.
The Centre of Excellence is designed to become a leading player in the development of cyber-physical production systems (CPPSs). These are industrial automation systems that combine physical components, such as machines, robots and sensors, with digital components, such as software, networks and databases.
They can be used to monitor and control production processes, detect and diagnose faults and optimise maintenance operations. CPPSs can also be used to improve safety, reduce costs and increase efficiency.
Technology transfer
The project team believes that the EPIC CoE has already improved technology transfer and industrial innovation in Hungary. For a start, facilities at HUN-REN SZTAKI have been upgraded.
An impressive pilot lab, focusing on collaborative and advanced assembly robotics, has been built, featuring advanced sensors and IT tools, supported by the Hungarian national co-financing for the project. Key areas of research moving forward will include assembly line digitalisation, big data analytics and the optimisation of logistics.
Another key area of focus has been on developing education and training programmes for engineers and researchers in the field of CPPSs. The aim here is to ensure that Hungary has a sustainable supply of highly qualified experts, capable of transferring lab innovations to the market.
“Relevant teaching material for university students studying cyber-physical systems at partner organisation Budapest University of Technology and Economics was developed, along with a catalogue of 27 advanced training courses,” says Zudor. “Around 150 staff visits and exchanges between our institutions in Hungary, Germany and Austria were also carried out.”
New opportunities
Over the long term, the EPIC CoE will help to establish Hungary as a noted technological, educational and research destination, stemming the loss of skilled workers. International collaborations in Austria and Germany will continue. “A number of joint project proposals between consortium members have already been launched,” notes Zudor.
The project will also create new opportunities for local businesses, providing a bridge between academia and the market. Local companies will also have opportunities to participate in research projects and industry workshops, in Hungary and abroad.
“Our hope is that EPIC can contribute to alleviating several persistent difficulties that many central and eastern European countries have faced and enable strategic growth in terms of both economic development and sustainable scientific capabilities,” says Zudor.