Digitalisation is one of the biggest challenges facing the railway sector and the Birmingham Centre for Railway Research (BCRRE) is tackling this head on. BCRRE is UKRRIN’s Centre of Excellence in Digital Systems, which focuses on all aspects of Digital Railway Innovation, providing a system-wide approach to transforming research, development and innovation.
A key project helping SMEs navigate railway digitalisation is the DIGI-RAIL project which is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund. With a target of supporting 100 SMEs within the local area in three years, DIGI-RAIL has got off to a great start. With 37 sign ups since it’s launch in March, the programme is well on track to enabling local businesses to take full advantage of the opportunities that digital railway brings.
The programme is currently providing technical expertise to 19 companies across a variety of areas including but not limited to data integration, cybersecurity, simulation and condition monitoring of rail assets.
Through engagements with the Rail Alliance, DIGI-RAIL is providing market intelligence, networking and product reviews to nine SMEs – enabling them to become more responsive to the increasingly dynamic nature of the rail supply chain.
A further nine SMEs are benefitting from both technical and market support from the project.
Find DIGI-RAIL at Rail Live
DIGI-RAIL will be exhibiting at Rail Live in the Innovation Zone (W) for the first time and will include an SME exhibition space and a guided tour for SMEs enrolled on the programme.
DIGI-RAIL will also be at Rolling Stock Networking in Derby on 11 July and will be running a half hour workshop at 12pm – it is free to attend.
