LabPyme is celebrating the strong results of its pioneering digital skills program, a core component of the Digital SME Manufacturing project backed by the School of Industrial Organization EOI. Eight months after its launch, the initiative is making a notable impact on the digital transformation of small and mid-sized enterprises across Castilla-La Mancha and the Valencian Community in Spain, with growing relevance for similar markets in North America and beyond.
Since its inception, LabPyme has run three rounds of the program, delivering seven iterations in cities such as Alicante, Albacete, Valencia and Ciudad Real. The editions have trained more than 100 managers from 79 SMEs, translating into tangible shifts in how these companies leverage digital tools to optimize operations, customer outreach, and internal processes.
Funding channels have supported the program through European Union resources via NextGenerationEU, with management by the EOI Foundation. The initiative targets SME leaders overseeing teams from 10 to 249 employees. LabPyme, a collaborative effort involving UCAM, Verne Academy, Tecon and Aquora, blends practical experience, applicable technology, and executive coaching to address the real needs of SMEs navigating digital transformation.
The primary aim is to equip SME managers and executives with free access to knowledge and capabilities that empower them to lead digital modernization within their organizations. LabPyme proudly notes that participants have, to date, developed a formal Digital Transformation Plan for their companies during the program.
What sets LabPyme apart is its immersive exposure to the latest technology trends. Throughout the program, managers engage in hands-on experiences and firsthand learning on topics such as virtual reality, task automation, and artificial intelligence. This intensive exposure broadens skill sets and provides practical tools to implement innovative solutions within their companies, helping set a benchmark for digital leadership in the sector.
Looking ahead, LabPyme plans an ambitious expansion starting in January 2024, with the first call marking 11 releases across cities including Toledo, Albacete, Ciudad Real, Cuenca, Alicante, Elche, Benissa, IBI, Alcoy, Valencia and Castellón. The expansion underscores rising demand and the demonstrated effectiveness of the program across diverse regions.
The project also introduced meaningful enhancements such as an initial diagnostic phase and psychometric assessment, paired with strategic thinking to better identify participants’ characteristics. Elements like Change Management, Learnability and Employee Experience have been integrated into the training plan to further enrich the learning journey and outcomes.
Participants benefit from individualized mentoring, offering tailored guidance to accelerate the integration of culture and talent initiatives within the digitalization process throughout the program. Partner organizations emphasize that the alliance aims to strengthen SME resilience and approach digitalization with a measurable, grounded plan that aligns with each company’s realities.
LabPyme remains dedicated to advancing digital transformation within the business fabric of Castilla-La Mancha and the Valencian Community, equipping SMEs with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. The strong performance of prior editions and the planned expansion position LabPyme as a leader in educating managers to meet the challenges of the digital era.
Additional information about the program and its dates can be found through official program channels and partner announcements. In line with broader EU and regional initiatives, the effort continues to emphasize practical outcomes, scalable models, and measurable impact for SMEs in North American markets as interest and investment in digital capability grow.