DIKO – Developing digital capabilities in South Ostrobothnian SMEs

The main aim of the project is to develop and improve the digital capabilities of South Ostrobothnian SMEs. The top goal is to improve the competitiveness of the companies, to sustain jobs, growth and to lengthen professional careers. The project is divided into the following sub-goals: 1) the develop the strategic knowledge of SMEs from the perspective of digitalization, 2) to develop SMEs’ management of digital tools within various sub-areas of the business, 3) to develop the digital skills of entrepreneurs at the ages over 54 as well as their the ability to learn new things and 4) to improve the know-how of firms related to how to develop the digital skills of an aging personnel. The target group for the project are South Ostrobothnian micro- and small- and medium sized enterprises as well as the individuals working within these companies.

The project is divided into three work packages. In the first work package, we develop a tool for companies for evaluating digitalization and strategy. Moreover, together with six pilot-companies we carry out a series of workshops related to digitalization strategy. In this work package, we also arrange education related to the management of tools for digitalization. The second work package is related to aging and the challenges of digitalization in SMEs. In this work package, we will scan the digitalization challenges and age management for entrepreneurs over the age of 54. We will also arrange training about age management from the perspective of the development of digital skills. In the work package, we will produce a handbook to support entrepreneurs, and a guide related to age management and digital capabilities. The third work package involves communication and spreading of information.