Significant Agreement for Research and Development at the University of Pforzheim
The North Black Forest region of Germany is gearing up for a significant transformation in its automotive and supplier industry, with the launch of the TraFoNet North Black Forest project. This initiative, aimed at driving innovation and sustainability within the sector, has received the backing of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection, with a total volume of 6.7 million euros.
Pforzheim University is playing a pivotal role in the implementation of the TraFoNet project, offering a range of contributions to support local automotive companies in their journey towards innovation and adaptation.
Pforzheim University's Contribution to TraFoNet North Black Forest
- Research and Innovation Support: With its expertise in engineering, business, and information technology, Pforzheim University facilitates applied research tailored to solving sector-specific challenges faced by local automotive companies.
- Technology Transfer and Knowledge Sharing: The university acts as a bridge between academic research and industry practice, transferring cutting-edge knowledge and technologies to companies, helping them enhance their production processes, product development, and digital transformation.
- Development of Training and Education Programs: Pforzheim University provides specialized training, workshops, and educational programs designed to equip workforce and management with skills relevant to new automotive technologies such as electromobility, Industry 4.0, and digitalized supply chain management.
- Networking and Collaboration Platform: The university supports the creation of networks among regional companies, research institutions, and other stakeholders to foster collaboration and joint innovation endeavors, thereby strengthening the regional automotive ecosystem.
Professor Dr. Bernhard Kömel and Professorin Dr. Rebecca Bulander from Pforzheim University's Department of Industrial Engineering are spearheading these efforts. Kömel emphasizes the importance of the willingness to change in companies for the success of the TraFoNet North Black Forest project, while Bulander sees valuable potential in reducing complex processes as part of the initiative.
The Future of the North Black Forest Automotive Industry
The TraFoNet North Black Forest project is not just about the evolution of the combustion engine but also about the "how" in this transformation, according to Kömel. The project focuses on exploring new markets and applying new business models, with Work Package 2 involving creating a research basis for platform economy with requirement analyses, evaluations, and trend monitoring.
Jochen Protzer, Managing Director of WFG North Black Forest, considers this step as particularly important for the region, stating that the TraFoNet North Black Forest project is the largest funding project brought to the region. He believes that the project will provide the means to shape a crucial part of the future in the automotive and supplier sector.
Professor Dr. Ulrich Jautz, Rector of Pforzheim University, is proud that the university is allowed to support the transformation of the region comprehensively. The company wants to actively accompany the companies and is well-positioned in the consortium of regional actors together with Pforzheim University, according to Protzer.
The contracts for this project were signed at Pforzheim University on Tuesday, with the value of this major research and development contract being exactly 799,999.93 euros. The project aims to bring digital transformation into companies in the North Black Forest region, establishing future-oriented innovation capability in a pragmatic way, as stated by Kömel and Bulander.
In conclusion, the TraFoNet North Black Forest project marks a significant step towards a sustainable and competitive transformation of the automotive industry in the North Black Forest region. With the support of Pforzheim University, local companies are well-equipped to innovate, adapt, and thrive amid changing market conditions.
- Pforzheim University, through its expertise in engineering, business, and information technology, contributes to education-and-self-development by offering specialized training, workshops, and educational programs focusing on new automotive technologies.
- Technology transfer and knowledge sharing between Pforzheim University and local automotive companies are crucial elements in the drive for innovation and adaptation within the North Black Forest region's automotive industry, as supported by the TraFoNet project.
