Manufacturing 2026: DigitMak and digital transformation of manufacturing companies

On 30 October, the annual conference “Manufacturing 2026: Transformation Towards Innovation” took place in Skopje as part of the international ENERGO – TECHNOMA 2026 trade fair. The European Digital Innovation Hub DigitMak co-organised the event together with the Macedonian Association of the Metal and Electrical Industry (MAMEI) and the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia.

The conference brought together representatives of manufacturing companies, institutions and the business community to discuss opportunities to modernise production, adopt new technologies and strengthen competitiveness in international markets. The programme covered topics related to exports, digitalisation, sustainable manufacturing, financing and innovation in industry.

The discussions opened with opportunities to increase exports in the metal and electrical industries, focusing on European market requirements, compliance with relevant standards, and the need to improve productivity and efficiency. This was followed by a panel discussion entitled “MANUFACTURING 4.0: How EDIHs Can Accelerate the Transformation”, which explored the role of European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) in supporting companies in adopting new technologies and improving their manufacturing processes.

The panel featured Aleksandar Stamboliev and Prof. Tashko Rizov from DigitMak, alongside representatives of digital innovation hubs from Serbia and Kosovo and a representative from the private sector. The discussion focused on opportunities to test technologies before investing (Test Before Invest), develop the digital skills needed for modern manufacturing, and access financial support for investments in digital solutions.

Following the conference panels, the EDIH representatives continued their programme with a working session with the DigitMak consortium, held at the hub’s premises. The meeting was followed by the signing of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with DIG-4K (Digital Innovation Gateway) and CIPS (Capital Innovation Point), laying the foundations for future cooperation, knowledge and experience sharing, and joint activities in digital transformation and innovation.

Through its participation in Manufacturing 2026 and its activities with EDIH partners, DigitMak contributes to the exchange of knowledge and experience on the application of digital technologies in manufacturing and to the development of cooperation that helps companies identify and seize opportunities for digital transformation.