The 5th INDUSTRY 2025 Annual Meeting under the motto “Focus Industry 4.0” was a complete success with many recognized guests. Read our review!
“Focus Industry 4.0 – from vision to reality”: over 300 people accepted the invitation to the “Industry 2025” initiative and were able to benefit from an impressive range of presentations and topics at the annual meeting in Windisch. There was much talk of entrepreneurial courage and impressive examples have made clear what that means in everyday company life. It gave valuable tips and presented useful tools, discussed important topics such as cyber security and the world of work, but also looked at social trends and the future.
Switzerland offers industrial companies a good starting position for the successful exploitation of digitalization potential. In it, Federal Councilor Johann Schneider-Amman and Swissmem President Hans Hess agreed in their welcome speeches in front of full ranks. The Federal Council praised the achievements of industry and praised the commitment of the “Industry 2025” initiative.
Botnets, data theft and blackmail
But there are also challenges, and security is one of the key factors in the network. Pascal Lamia, head of MELANI (Federal Intelligence and Information Assurance Office), used various cyber incidents to show where the problems lie and which strategy the Confederation intends to tackle. Addressing the companies, he emphasized that security was a matter for the boss and that technical as well as organizational measures had to be taken. Steffen Zimmermann from the VDMA also took up the topic. He presented the results of a study on industrial security and referred to guides and information sheets with which the German association offers support.
How to successfully leave the comfort zone
Whether one develops a vision and develops a strategy such as Bystronic Laser AG, whether one selectively approaches digital projects (Midor, Brütsch Rüegger and Shouldcosting GmbH) or ventures on a new business model (Christenguss AG, Muller Martini, Securiton) – despite in different ways, the speakers agreed that openness, curiosity and entrepreneurial courage are needed. Digitalization involves risks and uncertainties. It triggers a dynamic which, in addition to the use of technologies, also brings about organizational and cultural changes. It is important not to lose sight of the goal: generating added value and creating customer benefits.
The complexity of digitization projects can also make access to bank credit more difficult because traditional assessment criteria are not enough. Michael Grabher explained how he and his start-up Swiss Can Machinery AG could benefit from the financing options of the Swiss Export Risk Insurance SERV. Matthias Weibel of the RUZ Raiffeisen Corporate Center, in turn, advised attendees to think in scenarios rather than limiting the presentation of numbers to help potential lenders better understand the added value of projects.
Talents, tolerance and territories
To attract talent requires a work environment that takes into account individual life models. Tolerance for new forms of work and values is the prerequisite for this. Territories in the sense of spiritual, virtual and physical spaces in turn inspire and enable productive as well as innovative work. These are three of the five T’s on which ABB Switzerland’s “Future of Work” initiative is based. Andri Rüesch from Swisscom said that areas of activity are increasingly affected by emergent complexity, that is, sudden changes. This affects the handling of knowledge, which quickly becomes obsolete. Methodological and social skills are gaining importance. For employees, the question comes to the fore: what contribution can I make? What skills do I have and how do I want to develop?
Helpful offers of the Initiative Industrie 2025
The “Industry 2025” initiative presented two new online tools at the annual conference, which it has developed to provide companies with concrete support in their digital way.
Are you looking for entry into Industry 4.0 with your SME?
The Quickstarter 2025 offers assistance with the realization of first digital projects and enables the development of relevant knowledge. It includes step-by-step instructions and practical guides and tools for each phase of the project.
You would like to know what impact digitization could have on your business model?
The online tool Opportunity 2025 offers a relevance check that allows you to check the current status of your own business model and the need for changes. Then you get individual recommendations for action.