Integrating innovation at the heart of Industry 4.0
The 3I – Integrating innovation in industry track is a one-year work-study programme designed to develop dual expertise:
- digital and industrial technologies (IT/OT, IIoT, data, cybersecurity, robotics, etc.);
- integration and change management skills (projects, methods, human and organisational impacts).
Programme highlights
- A structured work-study format: immediate application in the company of the methods and tools learned at the School.
- Two specialisation options (IT or OT) to tailor the track to your profile and your project.
- IT/OT convergence: at the core of the programme, taking managerial and environmental dimensions into account.
- Diwii: hands-on experimentation on a “factory-school” platform dedicated to the industry of the future.
- Professional thesis: formalise, document, and defend an integration approach in a real-world setting.
- Assessment: continuous assessment + professional thesis defence + company placement.
- Supervision: 70% industry experts / 30% teacher-researchers
Programme structure
Block 1 — IT/OT common core: understanding industrial transformation
This block lays the foundations of digital transformation applied to industry: information systems, production, automation, and initial concepts of IT/OT convergence.
Included modules
- The company and the challenges of digital transformation
- Tools for the operational consultant
- IT/OT fundamentals
Learning objectives
- Understand the impact of digital technology on industrial organisations.
- Identify key technologies and architectures (sensors, data, automation, cloud, etc.).
- Gain an overall view of integrated systems.
Block 2 — Specialisation: IT or OT
After the common core, the track continues with a specialisation tailored to your profile.
Option A – IT specialisation (Information Technology)
Profiles oriented towards information systems, data, and artificial intelligence.
Modules
- IT networks and industrial cybersecurity
- Computer programming
- Artificial intelligence
- IT digital twins
- Information systems
- Big Data
🎯 Learning objectives
- Understand the architecture of industrial information systems.
- Apply AI and data science to industrial processes.
- Develop and secure business applications.
Option B – OT specialisation (Operational Technology)
Profiles oriented towards automation, robotics, or industrial engineering.
Modules
- OT networks and cybersecurity
- IIoT platforms (Industrial Internet of Things)
- OT digital twins
- Automated systems technologies
- Advanced robotics
- Numerical control
🎯 Learning objectives
- Lead the digitisation of industrial processes.
- Design and deploy connected automated systems.
- Integrate cybersecurity into OT infrastructures.
Block 3 — IT/OT convergence: integrate, transform, sustain
At the heart of the 3i programme, this cross-cutting module develops the ability to connect the IT and OT worlds, while integrating the managerial and environmental dimensions of industrial transformation.
Modules
- Lean Management 4.0
- Integrating managerial and environmental transitions
- Case study: implementing the integration of IT/OT technologies
- Learning Expedition
Learning objectives
- Understand the principles of agile management and Lean applied to Industry 4.0.
- Analyse the organisational, human, and environmental impacts of digital transformation.
- Develop a systemic and sustainable approach to industrial innovation.
Block 4 — Professional development and company placement
The programme concludes with a long work-study experience of 6 months, during which students apply what they have learned to a real technology integration project.
Components
- Professional placement (apprenticeship or professionalisation contract)
- Supervision by an academic tutor and an industry tutor
- Writing a professional thesis
- Defence before a jury made up of academics and professionals
Learning objectives
- Implement the skills acquired in a concrete industrial context.
- Propose an innovative solution or an improvement approach.
- Demonstrate the autonomy, rigour, and analytical skills expected of an expert engineer.
Go further
At a Glance
🎓 Degree depending on initial profile:
• Specialized Engineer accredited by CTI (engineer)
• Institutional Diploma (Master of Science in Engineering or equivalent Bac+5 degree)
📅 Work-Study Program
• 2 weeks of training at the School
• 2 weeks in the company
🕓 Duration
1 year (from October to September)
📍 Location
École des Mines de Saint-Étienne – Lyon Campus
Campus Région du numérique
78, route de Paris
69260 Charbonnières-les-Bains
Contacts
Academic Directors
3I Brochure
An Accredited and Recognized Program
The 3i program – Integrator of Innovations in Industry is a specialized engineering program, accredited by the Commission des Titres d’Ingénieur (CTI).
The program is registered in the National Directory of Professional Certifications (RNCP 40959).
It awards a specialized engineering degree, recognized by the State and industry, equivalent to Bac + 6.