Abstract
OPTIMI tackles a pressing European challenge: the fragmented landscape of Technology Infrastructures (TIs) for digital technologies, with emphasis on AI, data and robotics in inspection and maintenance (I&M) of critical infrastructure. Digital technologies for I&M are a high-impact, cross-sector use case to keep assets such as energy, transport and water systems safe, available and affordable. European SMEs and start-ups have been leading in I&M solutions, but are losing ground to global competition due to unclear validation pathways, uneven access to TIs, and low visibility of TI services, slowing deployment of proven solutions.
OPTIMI proposes a coordinated European pilot to make I&M-relevant TIs visible, accessible and aligned with user needs. The project will: 1) map and characterize existing TIs and services, 2) capture user needs and barriers across SMEs, asset owners and TI providers, 3) design and test improved service and sustainable business models for TIs and a pan-European TI network, 4) develop a strategic roadmap for TI investments and offerings, and 5) launch a user-friendly online catalogue as a one-stop-shop for I&M TIs. Through co-creation workshops and stakeholder-driven design, OPTIMI will deliver a validated catalogue, actionable recommendations and a sustainable coordination mechanism that reduces time and cost for testing and validation, accelerating market uptake.