SME Digital Centre for Crafts

The Mittelstand-Digital Zentrum Handwerk is a joint project of the Zentralverband des deutschen Handwerks, the Zentralstelle für die Weiterbildung in Handwerk and the Heinz-Piest-Institut für Handwerkstechnik (HPI). The center supports craft businesses nationwide in the introduction of digital technologies and processes.

The Mittelstand-Digital Zentrum Handwerk has been supporting craft businesses and craft organisations in Germany with digitisation since 2016. The aim is to promote the use of digital technologies, processes and business models in crafts. The offers of the center are free of charge, provider-neutral and accessible nationwide. Since 2024, a particular focus has been on the practical application of artificial intelligence in crafts.

The centre is an association of chambers of crafts, educational institutions and research institutes and works according to the approach ‘from the crafts to the crafts’. It offers advice and support on digitization issues, including coaching formats and practice-oriented materials. These include online checks, guides, explanatory videos and digital learning opportunities on topics such as 3D printing, digital business models or ERP systems.

A central tool is a digitization check, with which companies can analyze their current status and development potential. In addition, the center operates several demonstration sites where new technologies such as robotics, drones or digital surveying systems can be presented and tested.

For knowledge transfer and information, the centre uses various channels, including newsletters, podcasts and social media. In addition, it organises formats such as online digitisation workshops and provides training concepts for consultants and teachers in the craft sector.

The center is part of the nationwide network Mittelstand-Digital, which supports small and medium-sized enterprises in their digital transformation. Project partners include the Zentralverband des Deutschen Handwerks (ZDH), the Zentralstelle für die Weiterbildung im Handwerk (ZWH) and the Heinz-Piest-Institut für Handwerkstechnik (HPI). Funding is provided by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy.