Programme
Practical digital transformation for Ukrainian MSMEs
DIGI4TAF is a structured programme bringing digital transformation and AI capacity-building to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across three of Ukraine’s priority sectors — agri-food, textile, furniture and wood processing — in the central and western regions.
This programme is implemented by Quality Centre as part of the project “Supporting the reconstruction and development of industrial sectors in Ukraine by fostering digital transformation and the innovation ecosystem”, delivered by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) under the Green Industrial Recovery Programme for Ukraine (2024–2028).
Anchored in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), the programme is aligned with Ukraine’s early recovery priorities, national policy reform agenda and sectoral strategies. It leverages UNIDO’s technical expertise and convening power to support recovery efforts that strengthen competitiveness, foster innovation, attract investment and advance environmental sustainability.
Quality Centre brings 35 years of experience supporting Ukrainian industrial SMEs through practical expertise, strong institutional networks and a deep understanding of the country’s manufacturing landscape.
The project is financially supported by the Government of Austria and the Government of Bulgaria, and implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine and the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine.
Programme in numbers
7
online training sessions
3
sectoral executive sessions
6
study visits & guest lecturers
20
hours pilot implementation
Why this programme exists
Ukraine’s MSMEs are a critical pillar of the national economy, employment generation and regional resilience. In the context of wartime disruption and economic recovery, they play an even more important role, preserving industrial capacity, maintaining jobs, supporting local communities and laying the foundation for reconstruction and long-term growth.
At the same time, manufacturing and processing enterprises are operating under exceptional pressure. Labour shortages, relocation, damaged supply chains, rising production costs and infrastructure constraints are compounded by outdated production systems, fragmented management processes and limited use of digital technologies.
This is the time when digital transformation is no longer optional. For enterprises seeking to improve productivity, reduce waste, strengthen quality control and remain competitive in demanding European markets, it has become a practical necessity.
Three sectors on one digital path
The programme is designed specifically for MSMEs in:
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Agri-food
Equipment efficiency in agri-food manufacturing.
🧵
Textile
From design concept to efficient manufacturing in textile & apparel.
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Furniture & Wood
Circular and digital transformation from design to reuse and end-of-life.
While all three cohorts share a common foundation of core digital skills, each sector will have a dedicated training programme, tailored to industry-specific challenges, technologies and market requirements.
What we assess
Every participant begins with a digital maturity diagnostic, a structured assessment that identifies where your business stands and where the greatest opportunities for improvement lie. The diagnostic covers:
- Leadership and strategy
- Production processes
- Digital tools and software
- Data management and KPIs
- Workforce digital skills
- Cybersecurity
- Automation potential
- AI readiness
What you will learn
Laying the foundation: core training. All participants build a shared foundation in the key areas of digital transformation:
- Lean management
- Process management
- Quality management
- AI in manufacturing
Adapting to industry: sector-specific training. Each cohort then moves into dedicated training built around the realities of their industry:
- Agri-food: Equipment efficiency in agri-food manufacturing.
- Textile: From design concept to efficient manufacturing process in the textile and apparel industry.
- Furniture and wood processing: Circular and digital transformation of furniture manufacturing — from design to use, reuse and end-of-life.
Two learning tracks
The programme is structured to serve leadership and technical teams, addressing different organisational challenges and processes.
Management track
A strategic and managerial perspective for owners, executives and operational leaders — focused on identifying digital opportunities, leading transformation and making informed investment decisions.
Technical specialist track
Practical, implementation-focused learning for technical and operational personnel — not only about digital tools, but how to apply them, optimise processes and build hands-on capability.
How the programme is delivered
The learning programme is designed around how manufacturing businesses actually work, combining strategic insight with hands-on practice.
Executive sessions: strategic perspective for MSME leadership on digitalization priorities and opportunities.
Applied digitalization sessions: practical, implementation-focused sessions for technical and operational teams.
Sector guest lectures: real-world cases from international innovators and integrators already applying these solutions in European markets.
Applied workshops: hands-on exercises tailored to each sector, where participants implement digital instruments in practical settings.
Study visits: on-site visits to see digital transformation working in real facilities.
SME pilot activities: selected businesses receive 20 hours of direct implementation support, applying lightweight digital tools inside their own operations with expert guidance.
Sectoral digital transformation guides
Each of the three sectors will receive a dedicated guide synthesising the programme’s findings and practical recommendations. Every guide will include a digital maturity overview, identified gaps, SME case studies, best practices, technology recommendations, a local integrator landscape, funding opportunities and roadmap templates.
An additional strategic guide will map a transformation roadmap for Centres of Excellence transitioning into European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs).
Final conference
The programme will conclude with a national event bringing together participants, experts, partners and policymakers to present project achievements, SME success stories, lessons learned, policy recommendations and future scaling opportunities.
Building local capacity for the long term
To ensure the programme’s impact extends beyond its duration, a Train-the-Trainer component will build sustainable local training capacity across universities, EDIHs, cluster organisations and sector associations. A minimum of eight certified trainers will complete the programme, equipped with a facilitator toolkit and the capability to replicate training independently. These efforts will create a lasting digital transformation ecosystem across Ukraine’s manufacturing sectors.
Learning materials
Every participant receives a full set of resources to support learning and implementation:
- Online modules
- Participant workbooks
- Case studies
- Implementation exercises
- Sector-specific presentations
Ready to take your digital step forward?
Applications are open for MSMEs operating in the agri-food, textile, and furniture and wood processing sectors in central and western Ukraine. Check the eligibility criteria and apply below.