The messages for SMEs should be clear, use simple language and speak “business not technology”.

This is one of the key takeaways from the recent workshop organised for the study: eIDAS study on pilots for replication of multipliers: supporting the uptake of eIDAS services by SMEs.

The study, executed by a consortium including Deloitte, the Lisbon Council and the European Association for e-Identity & Security (EEMA), will produce a pilot programme aimed at promoting the use of eID and trust services among SMEs.

Workshop participants discussed the benefits of eIDAS to SMEs within the EU and mentioned even the global potential for eIDAS in the future. SMEs want to “go digital” but low levels of awareness and complexities are holding them back from exploring eIDAS for their business.

Stakeholders agree that the pilot programme has the potential to provide useful, business-oriented information on the benefits and use of eIDAS. To reinforce the potential engagement of SMEs with the pilot, stakeholders would like to see attractive materials with concise information. Using simple business processes and success stories to illustrate the use of eIDAS would also be beneficial.   

The pilot programme will contain knowledge and learning materials as well as a toolbox where SMEs can gain practical information on the benefits of eIDAS for their business.  Aimed initially towards a number of Member States, with increasing levels of knowledge and engagement, the pilot could conceivably grow into a platform for SMEs all across the EU and beyond to learn about eIDAS.

The pilot is planned to launch in early august 2018. We encourage the participation of all SME multipliers to support the communication and awareness raising efforts.

A final workshop focussing on the results of the pilot will be held in November 2018.

If you have any suggestions for the further improvement of the pilot programme or would like to be involved, please contact the team at: beeidas4smes@deloitte.com

Materials from the workshop can be found here.