Future Centers – Support for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises and Employees in the (Further) Development and Implementation of Innovative Approaches to Managing Digital Transformation

The ESF-Plus program "Future Centers" of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs is aimed nationwide at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), employees, and solo self-employed individuals who face the challenges of digital, ecological, and demographic transformation. A total of approximately €61.1 million is available for free consulting, networking, and qualification services to shape the use of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in a socially responsible manner. In a two-stage process – expression of interest and detailed funding application – innovative project ideas are evaluated based on criteria such as innovation approach, regional demand, and focus on digitalization. Funding applications could be submitted from May 6, 2022, and the consulting services have been available free of charge since then.

At the core are twelve Regional Future Centers that develop tailored support services on site, as well as the "Center for the Future of Work" (ZZA) as a supra-regional think tank that consolidates knowledge and prepares best-practice examples for all stakeholders. The network is complemented by the "House of the Self-Employed," which supports solo self-employed individuals in interest representation and self-regulatory procedures. Together, these institutions enable holistic support: from the initial assessment in the digital check, through multi-stage future consultations, to innovative qualification concepts with workshops, online learning modules, and AI demonstrations.