Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
Project name: UA_EU_CLUSTER5.0 – Boosting UA and EU Digital SMEs Towards 5.0 Industry Paradigms Project
Duration: February 2025 / August 2026
Total budget: Euro 555.441,88
EU Contribution: Euro 499.897,09
Call: SMP-COSME-2024-CLUSTERUA
Topic: SMP-COSME-2024-CLUSTERUA-01
Internal contacts
Samuel Nazzareno Monaco – samuel.monaco@afil.it
Carlo Mondani – carlo.mondani@afil.it
Website
Project objectives
UA_EU_Cluster5.0 aims at strengthening cooperation among Clusters and industrial companies in Italy, Portugal, and Ukraine, supporting the resilience, competitiveness, and internationalisation of manufacturing SMEs. It operates within the context of profound technological, industrial, and geopolitical transformations, with particular attention to the challenges faced by the Ukrainian industrial ecosystem, as well as the process of access to and integration into the European market. Through Clusters, the initiative engages SMEs to develop advanced capabilities in enabling digital technologies, in line with Industry 5.0 paradigms.
The project also supports the intensification of collaboration across regions and sectors by developing and strengthening value chains and interconnections among companies. At the same time, it promotes the enhancement of managerial and technological skills of the enterprises involved and fosters the development of Clusters capabilities, highlighting their role as strategic intermediaries for innovation and as facilitators for access to markets and international networks.
The role of AFIL
AFIL brings extensive experience in managing complex industrial ecosystems and promoting collaborative innovation. In addition, it encourages and supports the participation of regional SMEs in project activities by facilitating international matchmaking, fostering Open Innovation, and promoting initiatives for training and knowledge dissemination.
The Cluster plays a key role in connecting companies with European and Ukrainian partners, enabling the exchange of expertise, opening access to new collaboration opportunities, and supporting the adoption of Industry 5.0 principles within the regional industrial ecosystem, with a view to strengthen Lombardy’s position within European innovation networks.
Opportunities for AFIL Members
UA_EU_Cluster5.0 provides a concrete opportunity to access new markets, competencies, and international partnerships. Associated SMEs can engage in training webinars, co‑creation labs, structured matchmaking programmes, and B2B events with international companies and stakeholders to explore tangible technological and commercial collaborations, with guidance from experts.
The project also offers the possibility to participate in international trade fairs, including financial support for travel expenses, as well as information services to facilitate access to European funding.