Case study from Belgium : Mariasteen

In the framework of the B-WISE project, Lichtwerk and its partner organisation Groep Gidts did different case studies in Belgian WISEs. WISEs are a crucial link in the Belgian economy. A study conducted in 2021 shows that 20,000 Flemish enterprises work together with a WISE. 14.7% of industrial enterprises have a direct link with a WISE as client or as supplier.

The WISE Mariasteen is an important partner of Lichtwerk and Groep Gidts in the B-WISE project: researchers conducted different surveys and interviews in the WISE. Mariasteen is active in diverse sectors: woodworking, metalworking, assembly and services (green maintenance, catering services, cleaning services, in-company services…). The WISE was founded in 1963 and is a well-known brand in its region.

During their stay in Mariasteen, the researchers noted that Mariasteen is a frontrunner in Belgium’s social economy concerning technology. The WISE implemented different important technologies and digitisation processes in the last years with a focus on assistive technologies that help workers with support needs perform more complex tasks and that help them meet the deadlines set by their clients. Mariasteen uses digital work instructions through LightGuide Augmented Reality and implemented cobots (collaborative robots) in order to employ more people with a distance to the labour market.

All case studies from all B-WISE partners will be used by Idee in Rete to create a report on European level.