The USA and China continue to be the largest sales markets for the German electrical industry. However, China further expanded both its position as the largest customer and its lead over the USA in 2018. At 21 billion euros, ten percent more exports went to China than in the previous year. "Nevertheless, growth is slowing in both countries, which is also having an impact on trade," explains Ziesemer. Not least due to ongoing trade conflicts, general business expectations in the electrical and electronics industry have recently deteriorated noticeably.

In 2018, nominal revenue rose to a new high of 193.5 billion euros. The sector currently employs 888,000 people in Germany. Last year, 22,000 new jobs were created. 96,000 employees work in research and development alone.

Industrial 5G accelerates the development of a digital ecosystem

The expansion of the digital infrastructure will make good progress with the new 5G mobile communications standard. "Together with other associations, the ZVEI has successfully campaigned to ensure that the special needs of industry for 5G are taken into account from the outset. A quarter of the frequency band is now being kept free for local applications. This means that 5G will be used where it can best play to its strengths - in companies," says Ziesemer. This is an important prerequisite for success in international competition.

"We have succeeded in creating an ecosystem for Industry 4.0 that is unparalleled worldwide. Now we need to shape an industrial policy strategy in Germany and Europe that creates a similar ecosystem for the industrial data and platform economy," explains Ziesemer, adding: "We also want to play a leading role in the application of artificial intelligence in the industrial and B2B sectors."

Industry ready for new mobile communications standard

5G was also a dominant topic at this year's Hannover Messe. The 5G Alliance for Connected Industries and Automation (5G-ACIA) aims to raise awareness of the technology's challenges and opportunities.

Dr. Andreas Müller (Bosch), Chairman of 5G-ACIA, explains: "With the publication of the first standards and the availability of the first chipsets and infrastructure components, 5G is rapidly gaining momentum. This is clearly reflected in the wide range of 5G-related activities at Hannover Messe 2019. In fact, many companies are beginning to recognize the crucial role this technology will play in the digital transformation of their businesses. At the same time, the ICT sector is realizing that 5G also has great potential for them." Against this backdrop, the initiative plays a central role in bringing together all relevant players.

The official launch of the ZVEI working group took place in April 2018 and since then the 5G-ACIA has recorded significant growth in membership. The 5G-ACIA will continue to expand its activities worldwide in 2019. Müller emphasizes: "We are very pleased with the high rate of growth and expect many more companies to join over the course of the year."