Digital Transformation: ADDED and e& enterprise Drive Industry 4.0 Paradigm Shift
The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development [ADDED] and e& enterprise are collaborating in advancing Industry 4.0 and sustainable manufacturing initiatives. This partnership, forged under the framework of the Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy [ADIS], seeks to bolster the emirate’s industrial sector and foster cutting-edge technological innovation.
The collaborative efforts were formalised through the signing of a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding [MoU] during the inaugural 1st Smart Manufacturing Incentives Programme’s Awareness and Business Matching workshop. This event, orchestrated by the Industrial Development Bureau [IDB], an arm of ADDED dedicated to industrial sector enhancement, convened over 100 key industrial stakeholders. Notably more than 50 percent of participants represented manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises [SMEs], while the remainder hailed from advisory and technology firms.
At its core, the MoU aims to propel the digital transformation of Abu Dhabi’s manufacturing landscape, facilitating a seamless transition to Industry 4.0 technologies. Central to this vision is the integration of sustainable practices, with a particular emphasis on leveraging e& enterprise’s unparalleled expertise in groundbreaking fields such as cloud computing, cybersecurity, Internet of Things [IoT], and Artificial Intelligence [AI]. Through this collaboration, the intent is to empower manufacturing enterprises in Abu Dhabi with the tools to thrive in a technologically advanced and sustainable ecosystem.
The operationalisation of this agreement will involve the establishment of the joint working group, comprised of representatives from both ADDED and e& enterprise. This proactive measure seeks to ensure open channels of communication and efficient cooperation between the two entities.
Eng. Arafat Al Yafei, Executive Director of the Industrial Development Bureau [IDB], expressed enthusiasm regarding the partnership’s potential: “We are pleased to partner with e& enterprise to provide a conducive environment to the industrial sector of Abu Dhabi to transition to smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0 as well as encourage sustainability in the sector. This comes as part of our ongoing efforts to achieve the ambitious objectives of the ADIS, which aim to increase the size of investment in the industrial sector, create new quality jobs, and improve Abu Dhabi’s trade with global markets, and strengthen its position as the region’s most competitive industrial hub.”
Jointly, ADDED and e& enterprise will embark on initiatives to cultivate knowledge exchange and research collaboration. This will be achieved through the creation of joint white papers and workshops that focus on sustainable manufacturing and its manifold benefits. In parallel, the partnership will explore opportunities to provide digital solutions for manufacturing operations, with the goal of enhancing sustainability and operational efficiency.
Alberto Araque, CEO of e& enterprise IoT & AI, heralded the collaboration as a transformative milestone: “We are delighted to collaborate with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development to lead the industry 4.0 revolution and promote sustainable manufacturing practices in the emirate. This partnership signifies a significant milestone in driving innovation and digitalisation in the UAE. It underscores our dedication to empowering businesses to flourish in the digital era while fostering environmentally responsible methods.”
The partnership is poised to create a ripple effect within the manufacturing community, raising awareness about the merits of Industry 4.0 and its associated technologies. Through a combination of innovative digital approaches and skill development programs, the intent is to equip stakeholders with the necessary tools to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Additionally, the collaborative effort aims to amplify the visibility of programs and incentives offered by the Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy. This will be achieved through the strategic deployment of enterprise platforms and services. The overarching aspiration is to identify and establish collaboration opportunities that expedite the adoption of Industry 4.0 in Abu Dhabi’s industrial sector. Core objectives include the establishment of specialised centres, the creation of high-quality jobs, the enhancement of global trade ties, and the consolidation of Abu Dhabi’s position as a formidable industrial hub within the region.
This partnership stands as a testament to the commitment of both ADDED and e& enterprise to drive sustainable growth, technological innovation, and transformative change in Abu Dhabi’s industrial landscape. As Industry 4.0 continues to gather momentum, the collaboration is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of manufacturing in the emirate and beyond.
