“Economic and geopolitical situation requires decisive action”
25.02.2025Competition between the leading industrial nations continues to intensify. At the same time, new technologies such as artificial intelligence are opening up opportunities for immediate leaps in productivity. Companies are faced with the task of quickly integrating these technologies and strategically realigning themselves. At the same time, geopolitical developments require decisive political action. A visit to Hannover Messe will be a decisive factor for success.
Hannover Messe 2024, Eingang Nord 1
© Rainer Jensen
“Never before has a visit to Hannover Messe been so important for securing one’s own competitiveness,” says Dr Jochen Köckler, Chairman of the Board of Management of Deutsche Messe AG. “At a time when industry is facing economic challenges, Hannover Messe provides the decisive impetus: Here, visitors from all over the world learn which technologies will ensure their success and how they can immediately integrate them into their processes.”
With regard to the geopolitical framework, Köckler says: “In recent months, there has often been talk of geopolitical uncertainties. But since the new US president took office, among other things, this uncertainty has turned into ruthless clarity. The US is consistently pursuing its ‘America First’ policy, while China is providing massive and targeted support for its industry.”
For Europe and partners such as Canada, this year’s partner country of the trade fair, it is time to move closer together and resolutely drive forward a common geopolitical and economic strategy.
“At Hannover Messe, uncertainty becomes security - both technologically and politically,” summarizes Köckler.
At the trade fair, around 4000 companies from the mechanical engineering, electrical, digital and energy industries will be showcasing solutions for the production and energy supply of the future. Concrete application examples and artificial intelligence will play a central role.
The exhibiting companies include global technology groups such as Amazon Web Services, Bosch, Google, Microsoft, Schneider Electric and Siemens as well as medium-sized technology leaders such as Beckhoff, Festo, Harting, ifm, Lapp, Phoenix Contact, Rittal, Schaeffler and SEW. Renowned research institutions such as Fraunhofer and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) outline the industrial solutions of tomorrow and more than 300 start-ups from various fields of technology showcase innovations with disruptive potential.
AI for greater competitiveness
In the face of increasing competitive pressure, companies need solutions that directly increase productivity and efficiency - and this is precisely where AI plays a key role. AI is no longer just a promise for the future, but a practical tool that is already creating measurable added value today. Köckler: “Industry 4.0 began at Hannover Messe and is now being continued here with AI.”
“However, it is crucial that companies know how they can integrate AI quickly and purposefully into their processes. Hannover Messe provides precisely these answers - with practical solutions, expert knowledge and concrete application examples for immediate use,” says Köckler. “AI optimizes existing machines and production processes, increases their efficiency and makes them more intelligent - a decisive factor for the competitiveness of industry.”
Focus on concrete application examples
“Hannover Messe appeals to decision-makers at all levels,” says Köckler. “Whether production managers are looking for a single robotics solution for the automation of a manufacturing process or a managing director wants to digitize his entire factory - they will find their contacts at Hannover Messe. This involves both specific solutions and the comprehensive transformation of entire companies - and it's always about competitiveness.”
As an example, Köckler cites the “Application Park”, an entire exhibition area that demonstrates how modern robotics solutions can increase efficiency in production. Among other things, it will show how laser welding can be optimized using robots or how the production of battery cells can be made more efficient and sustainable. Köckler emphasizes: “Companies will receive valuable impetus here to optimize their production processes - with the aim of manufacturing faster, more precisely and more resource-efficiently.”
Köckler: “Geopolitical framework requires decisive action”
“Competitiveness also depends on a clear economic policy strategy,” emphasizes Köckler. He sees this as another strength of Hannover Messe, which is also a key venue for setting the course for economic and geopolitical developments.
“In recent months, there has often been talk of geopolitical uncertainties. But my observation today is different: The Munich Security Conference has recently provided relentless geopolitical clarity,” emphasizes Köckler. “The USA has signaled unequivocally that it will consistently continue its ‘America First’ policy. At the same time, China is demonstrating that the state is providing massive support for its industry and steering its economic course in a targeted manner.”
This is a clear signal for Europe and its partners in the global community: “Now is the time to move even closer together and to develop and resolutely implement a joint geopolitical and economic strategy.”
Hannover Messe will also play a decisive role in this: “In the coming years, the trade fair will gain in importance both as a technological innovation platform for European industry and its partners and as a catalyst for greater international cooperation.”
With regard to the current political situation in Germany, Köckler emphasizes: “We cannot afford a power vacuum. Regardless of the outcome of the elections on February 23 and whether we already have a new government or executive leaders at the opening of Hannover Messe - anyone who bears political responsibility for Germany as a business location must visit Hannover Messe.”
