The digital era is putting companies to the test. Foremost, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) must make efforts to compete in the global marketplace. Yet often their capability for innovation is limited by a lack of resources. The Open Innovation Lab (OIL) gives SMEs new thrust: Scientists and engineers from industry and research work together on innovations for digital-manufacturing technologies such as 3D printing. At the same time, employees at OIL, which cooperates as well with international partners, receive project-related training. This significantly aids the knowledge and technology transfers that prepare SMEs for the digital future.