Smart industry in NRW

From vision to reality: transformation to smart industry

It is impossible to imagine modern industry without the intelligent networking of production and value chains with information and communications technology. In a sector where efficiency is a top priority, digital processes are opening up new opportunities. Artificial intelligence (AI) and Big Data make it possible to automate production processes – all the way to the Smart Factory.

This development is further contributing to NRW's role as a pioneer. Here, a traditionally grown and innovative industrial landscape meets technological know-how. And it is precisely this close networking of business and science that is crucial to developing innovative smart manufacturing solutions.

One example of this is the technology network it's OWL (Intelligent Technical Systems OstWestfalenLippe). More than 200 medium-sized companies, including some well-known global market leaders, regional universities and research institutions are active in this cluster, which has received an award from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. By 2023, they want to launch projects worth 200 million euros to take manufacturing to the next level.

From the lab to the factory

NRW has the densest research landscape in all of Europe. Numerous institutes have specialized in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and ICT. They train the industrial specialists and managers of tomorrow and are also indispensable think tanks. In countless practice-oriented research projects, new technologies with the potential to revolutionize industry are created in close cooperation with companies from the region. The large number of startups also reflects this drive for innovation.

One trend, many industries

Virtually no other region in Germany has traditionally been as strongly shaped by industry as NRW. And hardly any other location is more synonymous with structural change and innovation. And yet many companies have one thing in common: They develop smart solutions to optimize production and products and use state-of-the-art technologies to do so.

Networking expertise perfectly

Generating and transferring knowledge – clusters bundle expertise

With leading companies and highly specialized research institutions, NRW is already an innovation driver in the field of smart industry. In addition, the local players engage in a lively exchange. Representatives from business and science come together in numerous clusters and share their know-how. The extensive transfer of knowledge has become the driving force behind NRW's think tank.

Online marketplace for engineering solutions

The AI marketplace is an example of this. The concept is somewhat reminiscent of online dating: On the digital platform, AI providers can be "matched" with companies. In this way, companies find suitable solutions, providers find new customers, and experts can exchange ideas.

A similar concept is also being pursued by the Kompetenznetz ProduktionNRW. Mechanical engineering and production technology are crucial for the successful smart factory. That is why the platform brings together companies, institutions and networks along the entire value chain. The organization operates under the leadership of the State Association of German Mechanical and Plant Engineering (VDMA NRW).

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