Industrie 4.0 – International Benchmark, Options for the Future and Recommendations for Manufacturing Research (INBENZHAP)

Background and aims

Industrie 4.0 is of central importance to the future of manufacturing in Germany. It is transforming industrial value creation and enabling new business models, creating new opportunities for German industry. The goal of becoming a leading market and leading supplier for Industrie 4.0 throws up a number of questions:

• What stage are the leading industrialised nations at in the development of Industrie 4.0?
• Will the conditions be created in Germany to allow it to become a leading supplier? What new suppliers of Industrie 4.0 equipment are entering the competitive fray?
• Does Germany have the potential to become a leading market in the medium term? Where are attractive markets for Industrie 4.0 emerging?

This research project seeks to provide answers to questions like these, in order to formulate options for the development of industrial production in Germany and identify areas where Germany can become a leader. The initial focus will be on undertaking a comprehensive international benchmarking study in order to establish where Germany stands in relation to other countries around the world. Hypotheses will be formulated and indicators developed in order to identify Germany’s strengths and weaknesses in the field of Industrie 4.0. However, it is not enough simply to analyse the status quo. Consequently, the second part of the project will look ahead to future developments and relevant technologies in manufacturing and allied industries. Together with the benchmarking study, these reflections will inform the establishment of Industrie 4.0 targets for Germany. The third part of the project will involve the formulation of strategic recommendations for delivering these targets.

The results of the research project will help to successfully shape the transformation that is occurring in German industry as a result of the technological trend known as the Internet of Things, Data and Services. The project will provide ideas and decision-making support aimed at helping the relevant actors to proactively shape R&D initiatives for Industrie 4.0.

Further information

Research for Tomorrow’s Production (BMBF, in German)