Empowering People and Processes Through Digital Intelligence in Production and Technical Education

Overview

In the context of megatrends such as digitalization, individualization and climate change, UNIDO, in partnership with Festo Didactic, has been driving innovation in sustainable industry and technical education through two flagship projects - H2O Maghreb in Morocco and the CAIME initiative in Uruguay. Both projects use the Public-Private Development Partnership (PPDP) model to foster innovation in technical education and empower local workforces to navigate the twin transitions of digital and green. These initiatives provide practical examples of how strategic partnerships can integrate advanced digital learning tools and automation technologies to address local challenges and support sustainable development. They demonstrate how the integration of high-end technology (AI and digital intelligence) into production processes, coupled with targeted technical training, can generate productivity gains while creating jobs and preparing today's workforce for the challenges of tomorrow.

Approach

UNIDO and Festo Didactic collaborate under the Public-Private Development Partnership (PPDP) model to drive innovation in sustainable industrial practices. By combining digital intelligence, smart technologies, and innovative training programs tailored to local needs, the partnership enhances productivity and resource management in key sectors like water management and manufacturing but is also setting a model for future AI-driven solutions.

In Morocco, the H2O Maghreb project aims to improve water management practices by developing a comprehensive training program. It focuses on critical areas such as drinking water, wastewater treatment, operations, and maintenance. The project uses modern digital tools, including e-learning modules and interactive technologies, to train young people and professionals. This initiative has created a strong foundation for expanding digital intelligence in water management.
In Uruguay, the Center of Agro-Industrial Modular of Excellence (CAIME) initiative facilitates the adoption of smart manufacturing processes. CAIME provides modular, adaptable training in industrial automation and mechatronics, supporting local firms to enhance their production capabilities with state-of-the-art automation and digital tools.

Festo Didactic plays a central role in both projects by developing tailored curricula and providing expertise in automation and digital technologies. In Morocco, Festo Didactic contributes to the creation of innovative training programs that include e-learning and virtual training sessions, equipping trainees with essential skills for the water sector. In Uruguay, Festo Didactic supports the CAIME initiative by providing cutting-edge training equipment and methodologies for smart manufacturing.
The projects utilize the PPDP model, where public and private entities collaborate to co-create and deliver tailored training solutions, reducing risks, sharing costs, and fostering innovation. The aim is to expand the collaboration to further integrate AI-driven solutions and digital intelligence tools in various industrial training programs.

The PPDP model enables UNIDO and Festo Didactic to act as trusted intermediaries, bringing together government entities, private companies, and educational institutions to create sustainable and scalable training programs. This model ensures that local training ecosystems remain agile, continuously aligning with market needs and technological advancements.

Estimated implementation duration

5 years

Potential locations for implementation:

Morocco, Uruguay, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Egypt, Jordan, Tunisia, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Indonesia, Viet Nam, Philippines, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia and the Pacific

Solution Partner(s)

Festo Didactic SE

United Nations Industrial Development Organization

Impact

In Uruguay (CAIME Initiative), the following was achieved:

Established the Center of Agro-Industrial Modular of Excellence (CAIME) as a hub for advanced training in automation and smart manufacturing for the agro-industries sector.
Developed modular training facilities that allow for cost-effective updates based on market demand, aligning training with evolving technological trends.
Boosted local firms' technological capabilities, facilitating the gradual adoption of smart manufacturing processes in Uruguay.

Key Indicators in Morocco (H2O Maghreb Project)

23 training modules developed in drinking water, wastewater treatment, operations, and maintenance

112 young people trained and 164 water professionals, with 76% female participation, achieving an 80% training completion rate and an 87% satisfaction rate

24 companies recruiting graduates and three institutions supported to continue the training program, enabling replication and interest across North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa

SDGs:

SDG 4: Quality Education

SDG 6: Clean water and Sanitation

SDG 8: Decent work and Economic Growth

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

SDG 13: Climate action

SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals

UNIDO Priorities:

Sustainable supply chains

Clean energy and climate action

Thematic Area(s):

Skill development

Environmental protection

Job creation

Digital transformation

Training and skills

Country programming

Festo is committed to industry innovation in Automation Technology, AI, and Technical Education. Our solutions are geared towards smart manufacturing and engineering in line with TechED and workforce development to empower people and processes for the ongoing twin transition of Green and Digital. We aim to shape a more sustainable and digitally-driven future.

Oliver Niese

Chairman of the Management Board of Festo Didactic & Head of Digital Business at Festo

Technology Used

Virtual Reality (VR), Environmental Discovery Systems (EDS), digital learning platforms, smart manufacturing equipment, and automation technologies provided by Festo Didactic.

Catalytic Outlook

By demonstrating the effectiveness of the PPDP model in Morocco and Uruguay, these projects offer a blueprint for other countries seeking to enhance their technical training ecosystems. The future focus on digital intelligence and AI-driven production and learning tools prepares workforces for the future, aligning education with the needs of sustainable industry.

Unique Solution Characteristics

Public-Private Development Partnership (PPDP) Model: The PPDP model allows for dynamic adaptation of training programs to industry needs, reducing risks, sharing investment costs, and ensuring continuous stakeholder engagement. Festo Didactic's involvement brings expertise in technical training and access to innovative technologies, enhancing the effectiveness and reach of the initiatives.

Previous Funding Source(s)

Festo Didactic SE
US Agency for International Development (USAID)

Dedicated Resources

Development of curricula, e-learning training modules, provision of specialized equipment, digital learning platforms, and institutional capacity-building support.

Links

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