Skillnet Ireland participated to the information session:‘𝘌𝘜 𝘴𝘬𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦, 𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘶𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯’, organised by Schuman Associates in cooperation with Cedefop, and kindly hosted by MEP Idoia Mendia. The event was supported by the European Parliament Intergroup on the Future of Education and Skills for a competitive Europe, the Schuman Associates Skills Coalition and partner organisations.

Ms. Florence Harmelin Magee, EU Projects and Partnerships Manager, Skillnet Ireland presenting Project EAGLE recommendations at EU Parliament Info Hub, 9^th December 2025

The event was an opportunity to highlight the key recommendation developed by Project EAGLE partners. The intervention provided insights on how to further support SME digitalisation across Europe and showcased the impact of European cooperation in achieving Digital Decade targets and strengthening skills development initiatives.

As part of its legacy, Project EAGLE developed two sets of recommendations:

Recommendations for Policymakers intended for the Digital Europe office, European-level policymakers working on SME skills development, and national policymakers. They draw on lessons learned from the implementation of Project EAGLE to inform the design and funding of future initiatives. The recommendations support national actions aligned with Europe’s Digital Decade skills and digital transformation objectives. Read them here. Recommendations for Community aimed at organisations developing and delivering skills training programmes to SMEs across Europe.  They capture practical lessons from Project EAGLE to support the design and funding of future initiatives. The recommendations are particularly relevant for business support agencies, local authorities, sector organisations, and universities seeking to strengthen the digitalisation of local industry ecosystem. Read them here.

Dr. Sakshi Lamba, EU Projects Specialist, Skillnet Ireland and Ms. Florence Harmelin Magee, EU Projects and Partnerships Manager, Skillnet Ireland presenting the Recommendations at Project EAGLE Conference ‘Bridging the Digital Skills Gap: Empowering SMEs for the Future’ at University of Limerick, 20^th November 2025

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IRELAND

These courses were originally developed and delivered under Project EAGLE and continue to be available for individuals or SMEs interested in digital transformation and upskilling.

Digitalisation of Process – Module AU5101

https://www.ul.ie/gps/courses/digitalisation-of-process-module-au5101

This 13-week, Level 9 micro-credential equips professionals with practical skills to lead or support digital transformation. You’ll learn to assess digital maturity, analyse processes, and implement automation strategies. Ideal for those in business, manufacturing, or IT roles, the course provides a strong foundation for driving digitalisation within your organisation.

Introduction To Data Analytics/Visualisation & Machine Learning – Module AU5112

https://www.ul.ie/gps/courses/introduction-to-data-analytics/visualisation-machine-learning-module-au5112

This 13-week, Level 9 micro-credential introduces key skills in data analysis, visualisation, and machine learning using real-world business tools. You’ll learn to work with relational databases and time series data to support better decision-making—ideal for professionals aiming to grow in data-driven roles.

Upskilling and Training

Skillnet Ireland: https://www.skillnetireland.ie/   Skillnet Ireland is the national talent development agency of Ireland. In partnership with industry, they offer upskilling programmes and business supports to companies of all sizes.

Digital Transformation Government & Agency Supports – Ireland

European Digital Innovation Hubs Ireland : https://www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/supports/become-more-innovative/european-digital-innovation-hubs

• Grow Digital Portal A central hub for assessing digital readiness, accessing case studies, and finding supports like grants and training.
• Digital Transition Fund – Enterprise Ireland
  Offers grants for consultancy and digitalisation projects, including up to €5,000 for digital discovery.
• Grow Digital Voucher
  Provides up to €5,000 in funding for digital tools, training, and IT configuration.
• National Enterprise Hub
  A gateway to over 250 government supports including funding, training, and expert advice tailored to SMEs.
• Digital Ireland Framework – Gov.ie
  Ireland’s national strategy for digitalisation, aligned with EU Digital Decade goals.

Practical Guides  – Ireland

• Digital Business Ireland (DBI): https://www.digitalbusinessireland.ie/
  Offers webinars, reports, and training events for SMEs, plus policy advocacy and networking.
• Go Digital, Grow Strong – NEH Guide
  A practical guide for SMEs on how to start their digital journey, including tips on visibility, websites, and social media.

The post Welcome to the Project EAGLE Resource Hub appeared first on Project EAGLE.

Join us for the final conference of Project EAGLE (Covering the training gap in digital skills for European SMEs manpower), the  European project funded by the Digital Europe Programme. The project is delivered by a consortium of academic institutions, SME networks, and training organisations across Europe, including partners from Spain, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Cyprus, Ireland, Lithuania and Finland, all working together to bridge the digital skills gap for SMEs.  The theme of the conference is “Bridging the Digital Skills Gap: Empowering SMEs for the Future”

Target Audience:
SME owners and managers, industry professionals, educators, policy makers, Chambers of Commerce, Enterprise Ireland, Regional Skills Forums, and EU Digital Programme stakeholders.

Conference Highlights:

• Business Networking Breakfast with Workshop: “Skills that Matter: Preparing SMEs for the Digital Future”
• Conference Keynote by  Mr Tim Crowe, CEO of WorxFlo: “AI and Supply Chain Digitalisation: Practical Insights for SMEs”
• Panel Discussion:  “Collaborating for Digital Success”. This panel will explore how strategic partnerships between industry, academia, and training networks can drive meaningful digital transformation for SMEs
• Presentation of Project EAGLE outcomes and recommendations
• European and Local supports available for SMEs in 2026 and beyond
• Interactive sessions and networking opportunities

Full Schedule and Registration Link for Project Eagle Conference on Eventbrite: Registration Link

For more information, please contact:

Rhoda Sohun
Project Manager, EU Projects
Graduate and Professional Studies, University of Limerick
Rhoda.Sohun@ul.ie

The post Save the Date: Project EAGLE Final Conference “Bridging the Digital Skills Gap: Empowering SMEs for the Future” – Project EAGLE. appeared first on Project EAGLE.

Target audience: Personnel who works in cyber security or ICT within a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME

Learning outcomes: Upon the completion of the course, the participant will

1. Understand the significance of a security culture for cybersecurity
2. Grasp the importance of competence and awareness in achieving cybersecurity
3. Be able to assess the organization’s level of cybersecurity competence (maturity) and plan and implement an organizational cybersecurity awareness program/training (awareness)

DL: Register by 4 September 2025

The course is arranged by Turku University of Applied Sciences (Finland), website: https://www.turkuamk.fi/en/studies/from-cyber-awareness-to-resilience-2/

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Project EAGLE, in partnership with the University of Limerick and Skillnet Ireland, is pleased to announce a limited number of fully funded places on the 13-week, part-time, online micro-credential “Digitalisation of Process”.

This accredited NFQ Level 9 module (6 ECTS) is designed for professionals in SMEs and start-ups seeking to harness digital technologies to streamline business processes and accelerate growth.  Learners will apply their knowledge directly to real-world business challenges—developing skills that enhance both organisational impact and individual career progression.

Delivery

Delivered online, the course runs Wednesday evenings, 7–8pm, starting 10 September 2025.
Delivered by Mr Bill Hennessy (Johnson & Johnson Vision Care), the module includes practical assignments, process modelling, and digital strategy development.

Language

Taught in English, the course is ideal for learners across the Project EAGLE consortium.

Information  Session:

“Lunch and Learn” Info Session: Wednesday, 16 July 2025 |  12:30–13:30 GMT | Online via MS Teams  Register here

Recording Available afterwards; Contact Rhoda.Sohun@ul.ie

Register for a Place on the Course

Submit your Expression of Interest for a funded place on this course  by 22 August 2025: Submit Now

The post Fully Funded Places for “Digitalisation of Process” Microcredential Funded by the EU Digital Europe Programme appeared first on Project EAGLE.

Advanced Factories 2025, held in parallel to Advanced Machine Tools 2025, is a benchmark in industrial automation, robotics and artificial intelligence, bringing together at Fira de Barcelona more than 570 exhibiting companies, which will present the latest solutions in Industry 4.0.

During the fair, DIHBU had a stand (4B216) in Hall 4, where it disseminates the value-added services offered from the EDIH DIGSI3 and from the EAGLE project, as well as the best innovations of its technological members.

DIHBU also participated in the Industry 4.0 Congress held in the framework of the #AF2025 fair, as well as in the matchmaking and networking activities organised by DIH4CAT in the framework of the European network of EDIHs.

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It makes sense when you think about it. Big companies have robust protection, while many SMEs simply lack the resources or know-how to secure themselves properly. Yet the risks are just as high – with sensitive data and your reputation on the line.

Don’t want to take any chances? Sign up for one of our webinars on Tuesday 6th, Thursday 8th or Thursday 22nd May, and we’ll show you how your SME can apply – completely free – for a customised cybersecurity audit worth up to €20,000 through CYSSME.

Sign me up

Why attend?

In just 30 minutes, you’ll learn:

– How to apply for a free, tailor-made cybersecurity audit 

– How CYSSME can offer this at no cost, thanks to support from the European Union 

– Which SMEs have already benefited – and were very glad they did

Who is this for?

Business owners of SMEs (up to 250 employees) who:

– Want a clear view of their digital vulnerabilities 

– Don’t want to waste time or pour money into big budgets 

– Are looking for a trustworthy cybersecurity partner

Practical details

Pick your session and sign up:

– Tuesday 6 May – 08:00 to 08:30 CET

– Thursday 8 May – 08:00 to 08:30 CET

– Thursday 22 May – 08:00 to 08:30 CET

– Thursday 5 June – 08:00 to 08:30 CET

– Thursday 12 June – 13:00 to 13:30 CET

– Tuesday 17 June – 08:00 to 08:30 CET

Sign me up

What do other business owners say?

‘The audit revealed risks we weren’t even aware of. Thanks to CYSSME, we now have a much clearer picture of our vulnerabilities and how to protect ourselves.’

Michel Bijvoet, founder of online fashion store Bivolino

Ready to take your digital security seriously – without it costing you a thing?

Register now for the webinar

The post Webinar invitation – Free cybersecurity audit for SMEs appeared first on Project EAGLE.

Small medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the EU are undergoing digital transformation, shifting from traditional business models to technology driven operations. This evolution includes transitioning from local physical shops to e-commerce platforms, adopting various cloud-based systems (e.g. accounting, ERP) and leveraging digital marketing tools to streamline communication and expand outreach to clients around the world.

 While digital transformation offers numerous benefits, it also exposes SMEs to a growing array of cyber threats. Despite their resilience and entrepreneurial drive, many SMEs lack the necessary skills, resources, and tools to effectively manage cybersecurity risks. If not properly addressed, these vulnerabilities can lead to serious operational disruptions, significant financial losses, or even force an SME out of business.

In response to this challenge, L3CE developed a training program tailored specifically for SMEs. The course offers a comprehensive overview of the evolving threat landscape, introduces effective mitigation measures and incorporates practical exercises designed to equip participants with essential cybersecurity skills.

Our experience has demonstrated that training alone is not sufficient to fully engage or motivate SMEs to adequately invest in cybersecurity of their operations. Recognizing the need for a more holistic approach, the EAGLE project initiated a strategic partnership with the CYSSME project (www.cyssme.eu) which specializes in offering a wider portfolio of cybersecurity services to SMEs.

The synergy between the two projects creates a powerful, end-to-end support model for SMEs. While EAGLE lays the foundation by raising awareness and building skills through training and practical exercises, CYSSME complements by offering risk assessments, mentoring services, and a portfolio of tools to help SME to close critical security gaps. 

CYSSME-EAGLE collaborative approach was successfully piloted during the third cycle of the training program, which attracted 166 SMEs from across the EU. The high number of participants confirmed the relevance of the training, and underscored a clear demand for continued support and services offered by both projects.

However, from a long-term perspective, SMEs require financial resources to implement all measures that will enable them to become sustainable and secure organization. To address this need and assist SMEs in navigating the complex landscape of available funding instruments, the EAGLE established the partnership with Digital Innovation Hube for Central and Western Lithuania  https://di4lithuanianid.com  that open access to wider portfolio of funding opportunities.

In conclusion, it is essential to recognize that a variety of EU-funded projects offer significant benefits to SMEs providing a diverse range of tools and resources. However, not all of these initiatives achieve the desired impact, as they often deliver fragmented support, limiting their overall effectiveness for SMEs.

Our example illustrates the value of leveraging synergies across services to create a cohesive ecosystem tailored to the needs of SMEs. By integrating awareness-building, personalized mentoring, and practical tools, alongside facilitating access to funding, such an ecosystem can offer comprehensive and sustained support. This approach ensures SME are equipped not only to strengthen their cybersecurity posture, but also fosters a transformative shift toward a proactive cybersecurity culture

PROJECT CONSORTIUM:

The EAGLE project is run by consortium from Cyprus, Czech Republic, Finland, Ireland, Lithuania, Slovakia, Spain, representing Academia, Centers of Excellence, Business Associations and Digital Innovation Hubs and SMEs.

Higher Education Institutions:

•Universidad de Burgos (UBU) (Spain)

•Univerzita Mateja Bela (UMB) (Slovakia)

•Technical University of Ostrava (VSB) (Czech Republic)

•University of Limerick (UL) (Ireland)

•Turku University of Applied Sciences (Finland)

Center of Excellence

Lithuanian Cybercrime Center of Excellence for Training, Research & Education (L3CE)

SME

Vernian RTI (Cyprus)

Business Associations and Digital Innovation Hubs:

•Confederación de Asociaciones Empresariales de Burgos (FAE)

•Slovak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SOPK)

•Skillnet Ireland

•Asociación Digital Innovation Hub Industry 4.0 (DIHBU)

EAGLE has a duration of 36 months, starting from the 1st of January 2023, and a total budget of 2.28 million euros, of which 1.28 million euros funded by the European Union.

More information:

EAGLE website: https://www.projecteagle.eu/ 

Social media: Twitter and LinkedIn

Contact: info@projecteagle.eu

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