Made Smarter: Supporting digital manufacturing transformation in the West Midlands

Digitalisation sits at the heart of the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy, providing a long‑term framework for boosting productivity, resilience and economic growth.

In the West Midlands, this national ambition is mirrored in regional priorities, with advanced manufacturing and digital transformation identified as critical drivers of future prosperity. Made Smarter plays a pivotal role in turning these strategies into practical support for manufacturers across the region.

Since its launch in 2021, Made Smarter West Midlands has worked with hundreds of manufacturing and engineering businesses to help them explore, adopt and embed industrial digital technologies. The programme provides impartial expert advice, tailored digital roadmaps and targeted funding to support investment in areas such as automation, data systems, robotics and digitally enabled production processes. This hands‑on support enables businesses to take confident, informed steps on their digital journey, regardless of their starting point. 

Over the past four years, the programme has delivered substantial benefits for participating businesses and the wider regional economy, improving productivity, quality, efficiency and resilience, stronger leadership capability and a more digitally confident workforce. For many manufacturers, Made Smarter has acted as a catalyst — to development, positive change, and innovation opportunities, helping SMEs scale faster and pivot into new sectors. 

Made Smarter recognises that successful digital transformation depends on people, through leadership development, workforce training, digital champion programmes and fully funded digital internships, Made Smarter businesses are supported to manage change effectively and embed new ways of working.  

As manufacturing continues to evolve, shaped by digitalisation, automation and the transition to more sustainable production, targeted support will remain essential. With government backing secured for the national Made Smarter programme and strong regional partnerships in place, the West Midlands is well positioned to support SMEs through this transition.