Over the past three years, global supply chains have been subjected to an unprecedented series of shocks. From geopolitical tensions and trade fragmentation to climate extremes, energy price spikes, and digital security risks in logistics, the vulnerability of global trade networks has become a central concern for European industry.
For Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) (which represent over 99% of all businesses in the EU) these disruptions are not merely operational headaches; they pose existential threats. Recognizing this reality, the European Union funded the RISE-SME (Resilient Industry Supply Chain Enhancement for SMEs) project under the Horizon Europe framework (Grant Agreement No. 101138645).
As RISE-SME approaches its end, the consortium is preparing to share its insights, quantitative models, and technology matching tools at its official Final Event, held during the ALICE Logistics Innovation Summit 2026 on 17–18 November 2026 in Brussels.
The Core Objective: Moving from Reactive Firefighting to Proactive Resilience
Coordinated by the Zaragoza Logistics Center (ZLC), RISE-SME set out with an ambitious objective: to create a versatile, ecosystem-based methodology that helps traditional industrial SMEs detect, anticipate, and adapt to supply chain disruptions before they result in costly downtime.
Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, the project focused on four strategic European industrial ecosystems:
- 🌾 Agri-food: Addressing climate volatility, water scarcity, and perishable freight delays through advanced field sensors and predictive planning tools.
- 💻 Digital: Mapping dependencies in cloud infrastructure, data center availability, and microchip shortages to safeguard software and hardware supply chains.
- 🚗 Mobility, Transport & Automotive: Developing quantitative models to resolve bottlenecks in “Just-in-Time” component delivery and logistics hubs.
- 🧵 Textile: Streamlining long-distance raw material sourcing and improving supply chain visibility through automated tracking.
Results: The RISE-SME Deliverables
Throughout its 36-month duration, RISE-SME brought together research centers (ZLC, CNR, Fraunhofer IML, INESC TEC, ITAINNOVA), digital ecosystem facilitators (FIWARE, F6S), and industrial cluster leaders (CITEVE, DHM, SIAV) representing over 2,000 regional SMEs.
Together, the consortium achieved several results:
- The Supply Chain Resilience Fit Model: A scientific framework defining the relationship between an SME’s operational capabilities and critical disruption factors.
- Quantitative Disruption Impact Models: Analytical tools that allow managers to mathematically simulate the impact of specific shocks at key logistics nodes.
- Technology Gap Analysis & Scouting Radar: A comprehensive database of advanced technologies—including AI, IoT, robotics, digital twins, and blockchain—matched against specific SME supply chain barriers.
- SME Matchmaking Platform: A digital tool connecting traditional manufacturing SMEs directly with European tech-savvy solution providers to foster cross-sector alliances and pilot technology adoption.
Experience the Final Event at the ALICE Summit in Brussels
The ALICE Logistics Innovation Summit 2026 (17–18 November, Tangla Hotel, Brussels) provides the perfect stage for the RISE-SME Final Showcase. The summit gathers over 200 logistics experts, shippers, technology vendors, and policymakers.
Visitors to the RISE-SME Final Event will have access to:
- Interactive Business Model Game Sessions: Participants can take part in hands-on simulation workshops addressing five specific disruption threats: Cyber Security Risks, Staff Shortages, Geopolitical Instability, Energy Volatility, and Raw Material Shortages.
- Live Exhibition Stand: Meet the project team, view pilot implementation outcomes, and test the digital Matchmaking Tool firsthand.
- Impact Pitches: Fast-paced presentations summarizing key project takeaways and future exploitation paths post-2026.
Join Us in Brussels!
As European industry navigates an increasingly complex global landscape, the tools and alliances built through RISE-SME offer a roadmap toward operational independence and sustainable growth.
We invite all SMEs, logistics managers, research partners, and policy stakeholders to join us in Brussels on 17–18 November 2026. To participate in the RISE-SME Final Event, please register directly on the official ALICE website.