Europe’s industrial landscape is changing rapidly. Organisations are being challenged to become more connected, more intelligent and more secure. At the centre of this transformation is a growing European focus on digitalisation, industrial data strategies and cybersecurity resilience.
For BONNER, this evolution is not a distant policy discussion, it is directly connected to the work we do every day in industrial automation.
As industries modernise operations, while increasingly adopting industry 5.0 principles, the alignment between industrial automation providers and EU digital frameworks becomes increasingly important.
Here are some of the interconnected EU and national frameworks directly relevant to Irish manufacturers considering a digital transformation journey:
EU Digital Decade 2030 Policy Programme
Since 2023, the European Commission has published the State of the Digital Decade. The annual report explores digital transformation progress of the EU in digital infrastructure, digital skills, digitalisation of public services and digitalisation of businesses.
In line with this, the EU Digital Decade 2030 Policy Programme promotes the adoption of advanced digital technologies including Industrial IoT, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, edge computing, and secure data-sharing systems.
Industrial automation is a key enabler of smarter manufacturing, improved operational efficiency, energy optimisation, predictive maintenance and increased industrial resilience.
The programme also emphasises secure and trusted connectivity, recognising that highly automated environments rely on robust communication networks and cybersecurity frameworks to protect critical infrastructure and industrial operations. This aligns closely with the growing convergence of IT and OT systems across modern factories and industrial facilities.
European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) & the DMA Tool
EDIHs are one-stop shops supporting companies and public sector organisations to respond to digital challenges and become more competitive. The Joint Research Centre of the European Commission has developed a Digital Maturity Assessment (DMA) tool used by all EDIHs to measure the digital maturity of their customers.
Businesses are evaluated across six key criteria: digital business strategy, digital readiness, digital skills improvement, data management, automation and intelligence, and green digitalisation.
With these insights into their businesses, SMEs can effectively plan their digital growth and gain more tailored advice and help achieve the Digital Decade target of 75% uptake of AI, cloud and/or big data by European companies.
EDIH Network (ENTIRE / CeADAR) – (Ireland Specific)
Ireland’s four European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) are now fully operational, having provided 490 services to 265 companies by end of 2024, including test-before-invest, access to AI and cybersecurity tools, and digital skills training.
For companies operating in industrial automation, manufacturing and infrastructure, Ireland’s EDIH network represents an important bridge between EU digital policy and practical industrial implementation, helping businesses modernise operations, improve resilience and compete in an increasingly digital European economy.
The hubs provide access to specialist expertise, pilot facilities and technology demonstrations that may otherwise be difficult for smaller companies to access independently. This can support:
- Smart factory initiatives
- Connected machine environments
- Secure remote operations
- Data-driven maintenance strategies
- Energy optimisation
- OT cybersecurity readiness
- Industrial AI applications
The EDIHs are also helping businesses understand evolving EU requirements around cyber resilience while providing access to tools, assessments, and advisory services that strengthen operational security across both IT and OT environments.
Where BONNER comes in:
As experts in Industrial Automation, BONNER design, build and commission advanced control systems to optimise your production processes. Our expertise extends to custom control panel design and build, ensuring seamless integration of hardware and software for reliable, efficient operation.
In line with key directives and requirements, we ensure your facility remains compliant, future-proof and ultimately stays ahead of competitors. offering turnkey projects that drive productivity, compliance and digital transformation.
Whether upgrading existing systems or implementing new automation strategies, we are committed to helping your business achieve operational excellence in a rapidly evolving industrial landscape.