real People. Real results.
About Us
Who We Are
The Enterprise Digitalisation And Transformation Alliance (E-DATA) is a strategic, cross-border consortium, co-funded by the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland administration. Our overall objective is to support SMEs in their digital transformation journey, enabling them to become more innovative, competitive, and productive. We are led by Ulster University.
Who We Serve
E-DATA is dedicated to SMEs in the border regions of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. We target this community because SMEs are the backbone of local economies, and those in the Programme Area face unique challenges in accessing expertise, and infrastructure for digitalisation. Our support spans diverse sectors, including manufacturing, tourism, hospitality, agriculture, food, retail, and professional services.
Real Partners. Real Solutions.
Meet Our Spectacular Alliance
Ulster University
Leading technical research, digital intervention delivery, and project management.
Atlantic Technological University
Leads the intensive Digital Transformation Programme and provides expertise in Lean Manufacturing, operational efficiency, and supply chain management.
Innovate-NI
Provides the vital link to commercially-led success through business mentoring, advice clinics, and hands-on guidance for small business development.
Sustainable NI
Drives decarbonisation and sustainability integration, providing expert advice and tools to help SMEs adopt more responsible practices
Manufacturing NI
A key industry representative and campaigne. Manufacturing NI is responsible for Building Collaborative Networks to foster cross-border innovation and knowledge exchange.
Supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
The E-DATA project, is a major cross-border initiative aimed at enhancing the competitiveness and resilience of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the border communities of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Project Aims and Objectives
The overall objective of E-DATA is to support SMEs in overcoming digital transformation challenges, enabling them to become more innovative, competitive, and productive.
The project’s key aims and objectives include:
- Enhancing SME Growth and Competitiveness
- Providing Practical Support
- Building Resilience
- Fostering Collaboration
- Delivering Innovation
- Embedding Sustainability
The project has a planned duration of 44 months.
Target Reach and Expected Results
The project’s activities are scaled to achieve significant impact across the border regions:
- The project aims to complete 850 SME activities over its duration.
- The expected target value for SMEs introducing product or process innovation is 485.
- 100 SMEs will receive digital transformation mentoring.
- 300 SMEs will take part in our digital transformation programme.
- 400 short SME engagements will be completed.
- 50 SME digital transition projects will be delivered.
Project Funding and Scale
E-DATA is co-funded under the PEACEPLUS Programme by the European Union and the UK Government.
It falls under Programme Priority IA2.1: Delivering Economic Regeneration and Transformation.
The overall grant awarded for the E-DATA project is €6,760,687.73