International Cooperations

We have many years of experience in the development of international research cooperations. There are clear prerequisites for our international commitment: scientific added value for Fraunhofer IPK on the one hand and positive effects for both Germany and the respective partner country on the other. Our activities abroad are subject to quality assurance monitoring and continuous evaluation of the results. They meet the highest standards of compliance and global governance.

European Network of Research & Innovation Centres and Hubs ENRICH

ENRICH is a global network of centres and hubs that promotes the internationalisation of European science, technology and innovation. As a Horizon 2020 project funded by the European Commission, the ENRICH network provides services to connect European research, technology and business organisations with three global innovation markets: China, Brazil and the USA.

Centre of Excellence in Production Informatics and Control (EPIC)

EPIC is a European knowledge center for cyber-physical production systems. Its mission is to accelerate innovation, implement industrial solutions, train new generations of highly qualified professionals and support the development of a sustainable and competitive European manufacturing ecosystem. On the German side, the Fraunhofer Institutes IPK, IPT and IPA are participating in the EU-funded project. Fraunhofer IPK supports the future orientation of business processes as well as the development of human resources and competencies of the center through training and knowledge transfer. 

Fraunhofer IPK Project Office for Advanced Manufacturing at ITA


The »Fraunhofer IPK Project Office for Advanced Manufacturing at ITA« in São José dos Campos, Brazil was founded in February 2023, replacing the Fraunhofer Project Center for Advanced Manufacturing @ ITA, or FPC@ITA, which had been in existence since 2017. The joint venture seals the strategic cooperation between our Berlin institute and one of Brazil's top engineering universities. The new center, which is located in the premises of the Department of Aerospace Science and Technology (DCTA) bundles resources and competencies of Fraunhofer IPK and ITA to acquire and implement industrial and publicly funded research and development projects.

CEBRABIC - Centre for Europe-Brazil Business & Innovation Cooperation

The aim of the consortium with partners from Brazil and eight European countries is to strengthen cooperation in research, innovation and business between Brazil and Europe through the exchange of innovative methods, experience and knowledge between all participating partners. The project consortium is working together until the end of 2020 and is coordinated by Fraunhofer IPK.

Strategic Planning of Applied Research in Brazil (SENAI)

Together with the Brazilian National Service for Industrial Education (SENAI), Fraunhofer IPK has established institutes for applied research throughout Brazil. Fraunhofer IPK advised its Brazilian partner on the strategic planning and implementation of research institutes, the establishment of a central agency in Brasília to provide support and assistance, and the implementation of an evaluation system for the existing research network.

More information on our cooperation with SENAI is available in our customer magazine FUTUR. 

ENRICH in China

ENRICH in China was established in October 2017 with the support of the European Commission to provide unique services to European research and technology institutions as well as companies seeking a competitive presence in the Chinese market. Fraunhofer IPK is one of eight European implementation partners working together with five Chinese organisations. The main objective of the initiative is to strengthen Europe's leadership in science, technology and innovation in China and to promote cooperation between the two regions.

Sino-German Intelligent Manufacturing Research Institute (SGIMRI)

The privately organized Sino-German Intelligent Manufacturing Research Institute (SGIMRI) integrates training, demonstration and application research in Nanjing into a modular overall offer for companies in Jiangsu Province. Fraunhofer IPK supports planning and implementation strategically, organizationally and technologically. Experts from Fraunhofer IPK and SGIMRI jointly develop concepts on how to combine the technology-oriented view prevailing in China with the methodical German approach for Chinese challenges.