Which technologies do you focus on?

If you look at our technological focus, a lot of it revolves around solutions that reduce complexity and create transparency. These include digital platforms such as our IIoT ecosystem Netilion, which enables informed decisions based on data, and our Heartbeat Technology, which permanently monitors and reliably documents the status of devices without interfering with ongoing operations. These technologies make digitalization tangible in everyday life and form the basis for efficient and stable processes.

At the same time, we are also showcasing solutions for greater sustainability: measurement technology for carbon capture, utilization and storage, hydrogen applications and our Power+Energy solutions, which make energy consumption in systems visible and therefore reducible. In short, we are bringing digitalization and decarbonization together with technologies that immediately and noticeably optimize operational processes.

Which industry trend is currently the most relevant for your company?

Hardly any other topic is currently shaping our industry as strongly as sustainability, especially with regard to decarbonization. The industry is looking for solutions that do not consider efficiency increases and climate protection separately, but enable both at the same time. This demand is changing entire value chains and is having a significant impact on how we develop our technologies.

Where do you see the biggest challenges for your industry in the next two to three years?
A key challenge will be to keep Germany strong as an industrial location despite high costs and global competitive pressure. Many of our customers are under enormous economic pressure, while at the same time Germany remains a core market for the industry with a high level of technological expertise, leading international companies and great potential for innovation. The task will be to maintain this pioneering spirit while at the same time mastering the transformation: in other words, modernizing, investing and integrating new technologies into existing plant structures.

In your opinion, what would have to change politically or socially for the industry to grow more strongly again?

In our view, reliable framework conditions are needed above all so that companies can invest more courageously again. Many of our customers are feeling the uncertainties, be it in terms of energy prices, regulatory requirements or long-term industrial policy decisions. Planning security is the decisive factor here. At the same time, it would be important to provide positive social support for industrial change. Germany has enormous expertise and strong competence centers - promoting this spirit of innovation instead of slowing it down with bureaucracy would be an important step.

And on a personal note: What is the highlight of SPS 2025 for you?

The highlight this year is the IIoT Community Event on the first day of the trade fair from 4 p.m. at our stand in Hall 7A. The community of the IoT Use Case Platform invites you to an open exchange. Practitioners, technology experts and users will come together to discuss specific use cases, share experiences and provide new impetus for digital process automation. This format brings the key players together in one place and creates space for real networking.

Thank you very much for the interview.

The questions were asked by Melanie Steinbeck