Trade fair The SPS 2024 between uncertainty and hope

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In turbulent times, the automation industry met in Nuremberg. Even though the economic sentiment is subdued for many exhibitors, optimism prevails.

A week full of good conversations and product announcements comes to an end. According to the organizers, the 33rd edition of the SPS in Nuremberg attracted 51,300 visitors to the exhibition halls. This allowed the SPS to continue the positive trend in visitor numbers: in 2023, there were 50,000 visitors. Only with the exhibitors did the organizers have to make a few concessions. With 1,114 exhibitors, the number from the previous year (1,299 exhibitors) was slightly missed.

The interim conclusion among the exhibitors themselves on the second day of the fair was mixed. While many reported good professional discussions and exciting projects, some missed the usual crowds at their stands. The current economic situation is impacting companies, as budgets for large automation projects are often lacking. Many are cautious in their investments.

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However, according to one interlocutor, this is still complaining at a high level. It is repeatedly heard at the trade fair stands that the year 2024 started well for many companies. The setback only came in the second half of the year. The uncertainty of political developments in Germany, however, remains a major issue. Questions about future economic policy and the potential impacts of the upcoming new elections in February 2025 are occupying the industry. Additionally, the influence of the USA and the possible change in business conditions under the presidency of Donald Trump were discussed. So far, business with the United States has been an important driver for the industry.

"We really need to pull ourselves together"

A precise sentiment from the exhibition halls is difficult to capture with so much uncertainty. A managing director emphasizes that companies themselves must take action: "We must finally pull ourselves together and not just wait for politics to save us." Jessica Bethune, Vice President Industrial and Process Automation DACH at Schneider Electric, also stressed: "Current challenges don't necessarily require new inventions. Much is already there. It's merely the implementation that's lacking." Rainer Brehm, Chairman of the ZVEI Automation Association, sees it similarly: "Only if we quickly utilize existing efficiency potentials through automation and scale digital, connected solutions like Industry 4.0 and jointly advance Factory-X can we create positive impulses for the economy." Factory-X is a digital ecosystem that allows companies to work with and manage their data without ever losing sovereignty over it. Brehm demands an efficiency turnaround from the government. Companies need competitive framework conditions and planning security.

To ensure planning security, at least the organizers of the SPS have already made arrangements before the start of the trade fair: The annual date of the industry meeting returns to its original place in the calendar and will take place next year from November 25 to 27 in Nuremberg.