EDIH MIDAS Officially Kicked Off to Empower SMEs in Their Twin Transformation Journey
On May 5th, 2025, the official kick off meeting of EDIH MIDAS — Manufacturing Innovation and Digitalization Acceleration Services Hub — was held at the Foreign Trade Complex in Istanbul, marking a major milestone for Türkiye’s manufacturing sector. As one of five European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) in Türkiye, MIDAS will support SMEs in their digital and green (twin) transformation journey.
With over 125 stakeholders in attendance, including representatives from the Ministry of Industry and Technology, SMEs, academia, and regional development agencies, the event introduced how MIDAS will help SMEs enhance digital maturity, boost sustainability, and increase their competitiveness in the EU market.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Hilal Süerdem, Board Member of İHKİB and Chair of the MIDAS Steering Committee, highlighted the importance of twin transformation for national competitiveness and noted that over €37 million in EU funding has already been mobilized to support innovation initiatives.
A video message from Mr. Yves Paindaveine of the European Commission welcomed MIDAS to the EDIH network, emphasizing the role of cross-border collaboration in shaping Europe’s digital future.
Two thematic panel sessions followed. The first, moderated by Ms. Özlem Güneş (İHKİB), focused on service packages for SMEs. Mr. Davut Şadoğlu (İHKİB DDM) described services for apparel and textile sectors, Mr. Devrim Özaydın (Sabancı University) shared support for composite and metal industries, and Mr. Ebubekir Koç (ALUTEAM) discussed digital services for aluminum producers. Each speaker explained how their institutions would scale up services under the MIDAS framework.
The second panel, moderated by Mr. Sertaç Köksal Gölnar (Ministry of Industry and Technology), explored collaboration and ecosystem-building. Speakers included Ms. Melike Emiroğlu Kaplan (TİM), Mr. Abdurrahim Ahat (ISTKA), Prof. Dr. Metin Yüksek (Marmara University), and Ms. Başak Tetiköz (İTÜ ARI Teknokent). They emphasized public-private cooperation, the role of academia in digital transformation, and support for AI, IoT, and investment access for SMEs.
Exhibition booths by İHKİB DDM and OzUBEX showcased service packages and fostered new connections. Consortium partners also outlined their roles, ranging from sector-specific technical support to ecosystem outreach and export facilitation.
EDIH MIDAS is now set to lead a journey to digitally empower Türkiye’s manufacturing SMEs, democratize access to innovation, and strengthen their sustainability and competitiveness.
SMEs are invited to explore MIDAS services including pre-investment testing, skills development, ecosystem networking, and access to finance.
For more information, contact adim@itkib.org.tr and stay tuned for updates, success stories, and partnership opportunities.
Together, we will lead Türkiye’s leap toward a digitally empowered and sustainable future.
