05/06/2026
C4T Consortium Visits Callipo Group to Explore Industry 4.0 Opportunities for SMEs in Southern Italy
As part of the Transnational Meeting of the C4T – Companies4Tomorrow project, project partners carried out an important study visit to Callipo Group in Maierato, Calabria, Italy, aiming to strengthen knowledge exchange and gain practical insights into digital transformation and Industry 4.0 implementation within the agri-food and manufacturing sector.
The visit took place during the second day of the consortium meeting and formed part of the project’s activities focused on smart manufacturing, innovation ecosystems, and technology transfer for SMEs operating in the Mediterranean region.
The C4T consortium had the opportunity to visit the facilities of one of Italy’s most recognized tuna production and export companies, internationally known for its high-quality products and strong export orientation. During the visit, participants were introduced to the company’s production processes, logistics operations, quality control systems, and supply chain management practices, gaining first-hand experience of how advanced technologies and digital tools are increasingly integrated into industrial environments.
Special attention was given to the role of automation, digital monitoring systems, traceability mechanisms, and e-commerce logistics in supporting competitiveness and operational efficiency in the food production sector. The visit provided valuable examples of how Industry 4.0 approaches can enhance productivity, sustainability, and international market positioning for SMEs and industrial enterprises.
The consortium highlighted that Calabria, although neighbouring the eligible area of the Interreg Greece–Italy Programme, represents a highly relevant ecosystem for observing industrial innovation practices and identifying opportunities for cross-border cooperation and knowledge transfer. The experience offered an important perspective on the challenges and opportunities faced by enterprises in Southern Italy in adapting to digital transformation processes.
A key objective of the visit was to better understand the technological needs of enterprises operating in the wider Mediterranean area and to identify potential Industry 4.0 actions capable of supporting SMEs through digital capacity building, workforce upskilling, smart manufacturing methodologies, and innovation-driven business models.
The study visit also enabled project partners to discuss how the tools, methodologies, and services developed within the C4T project can contribute to supporting enterprises in their digital transition. Particular emphasis was placed on the role of Living Labs, innovation hubs, and collaborative ecosystems connecting universities, research centres, chambers of commerce, and businesses.
The C4T consortium expressed its sincere appreciation to the management and staff of Callipo Group for their warm hospitality, openness, and valuable insights shared during the visit. The experience significantly contributed to the project’s mission of promoting sustainable and smart digital transformation strategies for SMEs across Greece and Italy.
The C4T project continues to strengthen cross-border cooperation by fostering innovation, enhancing digital capacities, and supporting the transition of SMEs toward Industry 4.0 and sustainable economic growth in the Mediterranean region.
