Post by Abeje Y. Mersha (አበጀ የኔሁን መርሻ)

Yesterday, we had a lively and constructive discussion with the evaluation committee for the second phase of our SPRONG Digital-Driven Manufacturing (#DDM)program. SPRONG brings together multiple research groups, core partners who help define our roadmap, and networking partners with whom we conduct demand-driven research. The program is coordinated by TechForFuture, the expertise center of Saxion University of Applied Sciences and Windesheim. Preparing for this interview was not only a chance to look ahead but also to reflect proudly on what we have achieved. Over the past four years, within the context of #DDM we have collaborated on 35+ projects with 110+ partners, totaling around €8 million in funding. If the second phase is granted, we plan to build on this momentum, focusing on cutting-edge technology for the manufacturing sector, which is the main strength of our region. #SPRONG from Nationaal Regieorgaan Praktijkgericht Onderzoek SIA enables long-term collaboration, supports the growth of research groups, and helps teams develop the capacity to tackle real-world societal challenges. With multi-year funding and strong partnerships across #education, #industry, #appliedresearch and #government, SPRONG accelerates impact where it matters most. Smart Mechatronics And RoboTics (SMART) Research Group, Saxion Ambient Intelligence, Lectoraat Digital Business & Society Alexander Jansen, Martijn Bos, Julia van de Geijn, Freek Noordhuis, Wim Spit, Wouter Teeuw, Jeroen Linssen, aart schoonderbeek, Erik Fledderus, Dennis Borger, Stephan Maathuis, Egon van der Veer, Arjan Zemann, Inge Grimm