Successful exchange format for transforming the economy

31.05.2023 - Hannover Region and VDI/VDE-Innovation + Technik GmbH issued an invitation
f.l.t.r. Dr. Julian Stubbe (VDI/VDE Innovation + Technik GmbH), Frank Doods (State Secretary in the Ministry of Economics, Transport, Building and Digitalization of Lower Saxony), Dr. Ariane Reinhart (Member of the Executive Board of Continental AG), Peter Dortans (Managing Director of VDI/VDE Innovation + Technik GmbH) & Ulf-Birger Franz (Head of Economic Affairs of the Hannover Region)

Participants from politics and business discussed this at the Regionshaus. The main focus was on the topics of digitalization and climate protection . The event was organized by the Hannover Region Economic Development Agency and the innovation agency VDI/VDE Innovation + Technik GmbH .

Digitalization requires and enables new production and work processes , which must be designed sustainably not only in light of the increasing shortage of skilled workers, but also from a climate protection perspective. By investing in good education and training for skilled workers as well as tailored support services for companies switching to a sustainable energy supply , politicians are laying the foundations as part of forward-looking economic development. However, in order to set the right priorities in politics and business in such a transformation process and to identify the future issues relevant to Lower Saxony as a business location, a comprehensive strategic foresight is required. A panel discussion focused on what such foresight must look like and what the success factors for economic change are.

Frank Doods, State Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Transport, Building and Digitalization of the State of Lower Saxony, Ulf-Birger Franz, Head of Economic Affairs of the Hanover Region, Dr. Ariane Reinhart, Member of the Executive Board of Continental AG and Peter Dortans, Managing Director of VDI/VDE Innovation + Technik GmbH, discussed the possibilities of future-oriented value creation for the state, which is characterized by both agriculture and the food industry as well as industry.

"Lower Saxony's future business model should be able to adapt proactively to the changing market environment. It must use resources and investments to realign strengths. The challenges lie in the diversification of economic sectors. Innovation efforts must be geared towards this. However, in order to align research and development with regional development priorities, the respective framework conditions must be considered with foresight."
Peter Dortans, VDI/VDE-IT
"Small and medium-sized enterprises in particular can benefit in the long term if they open up to digitalization and the switch to renewable energies now. We already offer many exchange formats and funding opportunities, for example with the Eco.Bizz program or the Digital Fund. The strengths of the Hannover Region lie in the good networking of companies, research facilities and institutions. This promotes innovation."
Ulf-Birger Franz, Head of Economic Affairs
"The promotion of energy efficiency and renewable energies, the introduction of smart grids and infrastructures as well as the right incentives and framework conditions for companies and civil society are crucial for the success of the twin transition towards a competitive, resilient and sustainable economy."
Frank Doods, State Secretary
"The transformation of our industries is one of the major tasks of our time: decarbonization, digitalization and demographic change are changing how we live and work. These challenges require joint solutions. Everyone needs to come together: companies, politicians, social partners and scientists. If we succeed in describing an ambitious but realistic path, then the transformation will become a real opportunity!"
Dr. Ariane Reinhart, Member of the Continental Executive Board

As an innovation agency, VDI/VDE Innovation + Technik GmbH has been advising and supporting many federal and state ministries, companies and networks in comprehensive transformation processes and in the funding of research projects for more than 40 years. With analyses and methods for strategic foresight ("horizon scanning"), it creates valid databases for political decisions, monitors the environment and advises on the development of funding instruments. Around 1,000 employees from the natural, social and economic sciences are currently employed throughout Germany. Since July 2021, VDI/VDE-IT has had its own office in Hanover for customers from Lower Saxony. Further information at www.vdivde-it.de .

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