The I-MOCCA project aims to strengthen the automation sector in the 2 Seas area. Industrial data communication and embedded control technologies are crucial for developing certain key industries and sectors (automotive and rail, maritime, energy efficiency in construction) located in this area of Europe. By establishing a cross-border network of centres of excellence and higher education institutions from Flanders, England and Northern France, the project will enhance the competitiveness of local companies by:- developing innovative and up-to-date applications for industries, SMEs and the Service sector in these regions. - strengthening the shared knowledge-base, providing lifelong-learning and advanced training, with a focus on training for practising engineers.Project activities are targeted at both the classical and the green economy. Expected Results: What are the key results of the project?Expected results for Activity 1:- coordinated choosing and buying of common basic equipment- 6 labs that are a local centre for basic knowledge and equipment complete with trainers/professors- At least 4 jointly developed (introductory) courses are delivered.Activity 2:- 6 labs that deliver high-end industrially relevant training (materials).- At least 10 1–3 day advanced hands-on courses and trainings for practicing engineers are developed and taught.- At least 5 are in joint development, others initially involve staff mobility- A common knowledge base has been developed with presentations templates, glossary etc.Activity 3.- At least 6 demonstrations showing innovative applications of new and emerging technologies.- At least 10+ 1-3 day long training courses and/or lectures.Are all partners and territories benefitting from the results?The benefits are equal for each region.The target groups for the project outputs are practicing engineers in industry and the Service sector, knowledge and education institutes, professional organizations such as chambers of commerce, innovation centres and universities that will benefit from the well-equipped labs and up-to-date knowledge and courses.The final beneficiaries are:The Economy, in general, benefitting from life-long learning and protection of the human capital and also in terms of more competitive enterprises. Finally, a new generations of (Masters) students will benefit from short interactive exchanges and the access to knowledge transfer possibilities in the cross-border area.What are the effects / outcomes for the territories involved?Effects and outcomes.A choice of advanced hands-on courses close to practicing engineers in industry and services will enable the professional development of these key economic actors. Introductory lectures and high-end courses for the audiences of knowledge and education institutes, professional organizations, economic chambers, innovation centers, will allow for a better equipped workforce. A choice of advanced hands-on courses and demonstrations on new or emerging technologies will help to boost the 2 Seas regional economy.Students will be more knowledgable and more attractive to future employers thanks to the well-equipped labs and up-to-date knowledge and courses implemented. There will be more opportunity for innovation and innovative applications in the (inter)regional economy to be developed, with high-end applications allowing for new emerging engineering methods, technologies and designs, and green automation and maritime aspects in existing and new applications.