Jump to Navigation Jump to search Jump to Content Jump to Footer
Production revolution

Smart industry in NRW

Scroll down

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.

Artificial intelligence will ensure that supply chains connect autonomously at all levels and in near real-time.

Autor

Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Michael ten Hompel

Managing Director Fraunhofer IML

1.2

million
people are employed in industry in NRW.

18.1

percent
of German industrial sales are generated in NRW.

103

billion euros
in sales generated by ICT companies in NRW.

93,000

students
in the fields of computer science, electrical engineering and information technology offer great potential as skilled workers.

From the lab to the factory

Research institutes and industry work hand in hand

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.

Practical research in the real-world laboratory

Developing innovations together

Seamless processes thanks to optimal logistics

©Chromatic 3D Materials

Rethinking manufacturing processes

The birth of the IoP

Unlocking the potential of the IoP

Benefiting from the latest findings

One trend, many industries

The dense industrial landscape acts as a magnifying glass for innovations

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.

System technology for automation made in NRW

Smart machinery makes lightens the workload for farmers

Connections for networking

Germany's smartest production hall

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).

In 4 easy steps to North Rhine-Westphalia | NRW

We support you in your successful settlement in NRW with our international offices abroad and our headquarters in Düsseldorf. We are your partner and accompany the project in confidence – from the first contact to the successful settlement and beyond.

1 Consulting & Planning
2 Select a location
3 Set up a location
4 Successful growth

Photo credits

© Siam Stock, shutterstock.com
© Fraunhofer IML
© CIIT e. V., Bernd Hermanni
© Blue Planet Studio, shutterstock.com
© Chromatic 3D Materials
© T. Schneider
© Gorodenkoff, shutterstock.com
© August Phunitiphat, shutterstock.com
© Parilov, shutterstock.com
© FotograFFF, shutterstock.com
© NRW.Global Business
© e.GO Mobile SE

Feel free to contact us!

NRW.Global Business GmbH

Völklinger Str. 4
40219 Düsseldorf, Germany

Innovation topics

North Rhine-Westphalia has long since ceased to be just the land of heavy industry and staid SMEs. In a dynamic environment of excellent research clusters, innovative startups, world market and industry leaders and globally active SMEs, a federal state has developed that stands for economic success in Germany like no other. Whether e-mobility, cyber security, Industry 4.0 or biotech or medtech: In NRW, people are already working on the future.

Biotechnology in NRW

Biotechnology in NRW

NRW – an innovation center for biotech in Europe Read more

Cybersecurity in NRW

Cybersecurity in NRW

For a secure digital world Read more

Chemicals & New Materials in NRW

Chemicals & New Materials in NRW

Pioneering sustainable solutions Read more

Digital technologies in NRW

Digital technologies in NRW

Digital change means progress for the future Read more

Energy technologies in NRW

Energy technologies in NRW

Advancing the energy transition with innovative solutions Read more

Greentech in NRW

Greentech in NRW

Solutions for a sustainable future Read more

Hydrogen in NRW

Hydrogen in NRW

For a CO2-neutral future Read more

Medtech - Technologiy for health

Medtech - Technologiy for health

NRW – Growth and Innovation Engine for Medical Technology Read more

New Logistics in NRW

New Logistics in NRW

Europe's logistics hub with innovative ideas Read more

Smart City

Smart City

Ideas for the city of the future Read more

Smart industry in NRW

Smart industry in NRW

Production revolution Read more

Smart mobility in NRW

Smart mobility in NRW

Innovations for smart mobility solutions in NRW Read more