Fraunhofer Institute for Production Systems and Design Technology
Data Must Move up the Agenda
FUTUR: From a business perspective, what are the most pressing concerns when it comes to the transformation of the automotive industry, and at what level should these be addressed?
Schirp:
The automotive industry faces the challenge of becoming more sustainable, reducing its ecological footprint, and entering the circular economy. This applies to both production and the operation of vehicles. In addition, there are digitalization issues such as autonomous driving and connectivity. Self-driving vehicles are connected to other cars as well as their environment and require innovative and secure technologies. Additionally, the means of production are changing. Processes and supply chains are being digitized to increase efficiency and reduce costs. In the face of this profound transformation, automotive companies must first understand the changing needs and desires of their customers. Each company needs a clear strategy for investing in research and development, production, marketing, and sales for this comprehensive transformation.
Weickert:
Policymakers must recognize that common standards in regulation and development goals are crucial for the future viability of this industry. At the same time, it is important for policy to advocate for a level playing field in sustainability, ensuring equal global competitive conditions. Achieving climate-neutral production requires massive investments, which must not negatively affect the competitiveness of the German industry.
FUTUR: When a vital economic sector like the automotive and supply industry is being digitalized, this entails massive data flows that need to be managed. What strategic importance do concepts such as data standardization, data sovereignty, and data security hold for industrial policies in Berlin?
Weickert:
Data plays a crucial role in the future of the automotive industry, both in the capital region and globally. The issue offer significant economic opportunities. For manufacturers, suppliers, and infrastructure operators to communicate across borders, they require not only uniform data standards and legal certainty but also high-performance digital infrastructure and robust IT security architecture. These tasks must be at the top of the agenda for Berlin-Brandenburg’s digital policy. When it comes to vehicle data, trust and privacy are also significant. Consumers are very sensitive in this regard. Therefore, member companies of the industry association VDA, in addition to existing legal regulations, have developed common data protection principles for connected vehicles. These principles include transparency, self-determination, and data security.
FUTUR: Data is generated not only in the process of digitalization but also in research. From your perspective, how do the research partners of the ReTraNetz-BB project, including Fraunhofer IPK, contribute to the transformation of the automotive industry in the Berlin-Brandenburg region?
Schirp:
Fundamentally, the use of research data must maintain a balance between the interests of science and business. Open access to research data allows for the transparency and replication of scientific results. Publications are essential for scientific reputation. This, however, conflicts with the demands of business, such as the confidentiality of results obtained through industrial cooperation.
Weickert:
ReTraNetz-BB, as a funded project, provides research and development results publicly. In addition to various analyses of the industrial ecosystem in the automotive sector, research partners support participating companies in shaping their strategic and technological perspectives. This includes the development of new business models, production processes, technologies, and materials for increased resource efficiency and cost reduction. Research partners also address the critical issue of human resources, developing and offering educational and training programs in the long term.
FUTUR: Mr. Schirp, as a qualified lawyer and CEO of the umbrella organization in the capital region, you are well-suited to serve as a contact point for lawmakers. How do you assess the current legal framework for digital transformation, and what legislative gaps need to be filled?
Schirp:
The legal framework for the digital transformation process goes beyond the well-known General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). In addition, digitally relevant directives and regulations by the EU affect areas such as IT security, copyright, liability law, and subsidies. The legal framework must prioritize consumer protection, at the same time it must not inhibit the innovative power and competitiveness of German and European industry. State regulation, especially when it comes to new technology, must allow for flexibility and consider innovation potential.
FUTUR: Mr. Weickert, where is the regional industry in terms of digital transformation today, and where is it likely to be in 2030?
Weickert:
The digital transformation, coupled with the need for ecological transformation, presents a significant challenge for industry. It is becoming a permanent task, known as the Twin Transition, especially as technological development is advancing rapidly. Even if one is well-prepared from today’s perspective, new technologies and competitors can fundamentally change the industry tomorrow. One prerequisite for industry’s ability to adapt continuously is a functioning industrial ecosystem. Universities and research institutions, deep tech startups, and industrial companies working together are the basis for successful innovation. The capital region is well-positioned in this regard: Science in Berlin and Brandenburg is at the forefront of crucial, industry-relevant digital technologies. Berlin’s »Zukunftsorte« and business networks are addressing the right issues, and in Brandenburg, the value chain for »electromobility« is being established. The concept of »Urban Production« also offers significant opportunities for Berlin. In this context, we believe that by the end of the decade, there will be a record high of 250,000 industrial jobs in Berlin and Brandenburg.
RETRANETZ-BB
The goal of the ReTraNetz-BB project is to support SMEs in the Berlin-Brandenburg region in the automotive and supplier industry as well as their employees in necessary transformation processes towards climate-neutral production and sustainable mobility. The focus is on promoting existing strengths, defining new themes, developing model measures, and supporting tests and applications. Location advantages are to be developed and demonstrated, external influences to be considered. An inter-state consortium of economic development agencies, social and labor partners, educational institutions, and scientific institutions, including Fraunhofer IPK and TU Berlin’s IWF, is driving these initiatives.