The German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) is supporting the development of a cross-sectoral digital ecosystem for industry data exchange with up to 150 million euros. The aim of this support programme is to accelerate the data-based cooperation between industry companies in industrial value networks in order to make a more competitive and sustainable industry possible. Starting now, interested syndicates can apply for funding and submit their project outlines.
Robert Habeck, the Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, commented: “The Manufacturing-X industry initiative is an important lever for the digital transformation of industry. For example, it aims to make production more efficient and supply chains more resilient through close cooperation in terms of data. As a result, German industry could transform from a global factory supplier to a global digital supplier and, at the same time, become a trailblazer for climate-friendly industrial production. This is also important for our medium-sized businesses, as they play an important role in industrial supply chains and will thus be part of the support programme.”
The “Manufacturing-X” initiative, which includes companies, industry associations and further stakeholders, was formed in connection with the Industry 4.0 platform. The German Federal Government has chosen the initiative as an important project in its digital strategy. The participants seek to ensure the confidential exchange and shared use of data along industrial value chains. This paves the way for new digital solutions and business models, for example for supply chain monitoring, smart production or closed product cycles At the same time, the sovereignty of all participating companies in the network over their own data is to be ensured.
In order for this to succeed, a uniform system architecture with shared and interoperable solutions that can be shaped by all participants based on open-source rules is mandatory. The support programme builds upon projects such as Catena-X for the vehicle industry. Application-oriented project ideas, which are important for many industrial sectors, have now become relevant. Industrial supply chains also include several medium-sized businesses and international partners. The plan is therefore to make “Manufacturing-X” accessible to medium-sized businesses and international partners from the start.
