REAL

Small and medium-sized companies in the manufacturing sector are facing an important decision today. While many enterprises are still fully engaged in automation and digitalisation as part of Industry 4.0, the next major step is already approaching: Industry 5.0. This new phase goes beyond technology alone; it focuses on human-centred innovation, sustainable production, and smart flexibility.

For many organisations, however, this transition is challenging. Limited resources, busy schedules, and increasing sustainability reporting requirements make it difficult to keep up. Companies operating internationally face an additional hurdle: complex and constantly changing regulations in different countries, which can quickly become costly and complicated.

REAL provides a concrete answer to these challenges. The project supports manufacturing companies in the Maas-Rhine border region in implementing Industry 5.0 step by step, in a practical and achievable way. REAL offers actionable solutions, user-friendly toolkits, and personalised guidance through COMPASS, enabling businesses to get started without major risks or additional costs. The approach is first tested with 16 companies and then expanded to another 60 organisations, meaning a total of 76 businesses benefit directly from the support.

Thanks to REAL, manufacturing SMEs can respond more quickly to change, operate more sustainably, and strengthen their international competitiveness. REAL makes Industry 5.0 accessible, practical, and results-driven, ensuring companies are prepared today for the challenges of tomorrow.