Strategy for a strong robotics industry VDMA demands European robotics offensive

From Manuel Christa | Translated by AI 2 min Reading Time

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The European robotics and automation industry is under pressure: While Asia and North America are ramping up their competitiveness with massive investments, Europe risks falling behind. This is the view of the German Mechanical Engineering Industry Association (VDMA), which warns of the consequences in its new strategy paper.

The VDMA demands a European robotics offensive: Strategy paper sets clear priorities.(Image: AI-generated)
The VDMA demands a European robotics offensive: Strategy paper sets clear priorities.
(Image: AI-generated)

The strategy paper "Leveraging Robotics and Automation for a Resilient and Competitive Europe" highlights eight areas of action to secure Europe's position in the global technology landscape:

  1. Robotics as a political priority: Every European country should develop a national robotics and automation strategy to strengthen innovation and competitiveness.

  2. Securing skilled workers through education: Early STEM promotion in schools, investments in STEM degree programs, and targeted immigration policy are crucial to addressing the skill shortage.

  3. Investment incentives for automation: Tax benefits and targeted funding programs should facilitate companies' entry into automation, especially in underdeveloped sectors such as construction, agriculture, and healthcare.

  4. More capital for innovation: Europe needs to mobilize more venture capital. France's successful "Tibi Initiative" could serve as a model.

  5. Defending technological leadership: Europe needs to regularly compare its progress in robotics and AI with Asia and North America and develop national and Europe-wide technology roadmaps.

  6. Ensuring scalability: Innovations must not only be developed but also scaled industrially. China's strategy shows how this can be successfully achieved.

  7. Reducing regulatory hurdles: More flexible and faster approval processes and "regulatory sandboxes" should promote innovation without lowering safety standards.

  8. Increasing acceptance of automation: A comprehensive awareness campaign should highlight the benefits of robotics for society and the economy.

According to VDMA, swift action is needed. "We have no time to lose," emphasizes Dr. Dietmar Ley, Chairman of VDMA Robotics + Automation. "Our new strategy paper is a call to policymakers across Europe to set the course for making Europe more competitive and resilient with robotics and automation. Let's get to work."

The association appeals to policymakers at the EU and national levels to swiftly implement the proposed measures. Given the increasing automation in China and the USA, Europe cannot afford to continue watching.

The VDMA represents about 3,600 mechanical and plant engineering companies in Europe and advocates for innovation, SME promotion, and export strengthening. The professional association "Robotics + Automation" includes more than 415 member companies and serves as a central platform for the industry. (mc)

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