The Plattform Industrie 4.0 is respected in Germany and around the world as an established network for forward thinking and practical solutions for the future environment for Industrie 4.0. The 2018 progress report provides an update on the work of the Plattform Industrie 4.0.

The platform has set a benchmark with its work towards a uniform framework for global standards: its description of the Industrie 4.0 components and specification of the administration shell creates the basis for interoperability in digital production systems. By engaging in international cooperation, the platform is also bringing about global progress towards the goal. The experts are attracting attention in their own communities by providing practical recommendations on, for example, IT security training or the categorisation of antitrust issues.

As the issue has become increasingly significant for the industrial sector, the platform has set up a new working group on business model types in Industrie 4.0. A restructuring in the field of research and innovation has also commenced, and is reflected in a new orientation for the previous working group on research and innovation and in the academic advisory council, which has now been redesignated the Research Council and includes industrial representatives.

To a large degree, the success of the digital transformation will depend on SMEs looking for specific, practical support and orientation. Companies across Germany should be able to benefit from the platform’s expertise. The Industrie 4.0 transfer network set up by the Economic Affairs and Research Ministries brings stakeholders together on a regional and thematic basis in order to leverage synergies.