Transfer initiative launched by Manufacturing-X

06.11.2024

Industrial data spaces, such as those to be created in the federal initiative Manufacturing-X, enable companies to realize the value creation potential of the data collected in industry - estimated by the EU at 270 billion euros by 2028. As part of the SCALE-MX project, Bayern Innovativ will make the results and added value of Manufacturing-X accessible to the entire industry in southern Germany. By participating in SCALE-MX, Bayern Innovativ is helping to make data space-based technologies accessible to companies of all sizes and promote their broad application across industries by addressing specific target groups.

Scaling data rooms, supporting transfer into practice

In a joint effort between business, politics and science, the Manufacturing-X initiative aims to create the technical, economic and legal basis for companies to share data securely and confidently across the entire value chain. This will enable numerous value-adding data usage scenarios, such as determining the CO2 footprint of a product, optimizing production facilities or collaborative quality management. As the central transfer initiative of Manufacturing-X, the SCALE-MX project funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK) is now supporting individual companies in gaining the best possible access to the added value and technologies associated with industrial data spaces. The project is coordinated by the German Engineering Federation (VDMA) and the German Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers' Association (ZVEI).

Manufacturing-X is now so far advanced that the next phase is imminent: The step into practical application. This is exactly what SCALE-MX aims to achieve. The initiative has set itself the goal of scaling the use of data rooms across industries and supporting the transfer of technology into business practice. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in particular are to receive support in the integration of such technologies, including in the form of best practice examples, clear implementation guidelines and concrete use cases from everyday business life. This will enable them to leverage the great potential of data rooms to sustainably increase their efficiency and innovative capacity.

A key component of the project is the use of synergies between the various "X" projects that are already being created or are planned under the umbrella of the Manufacturing-X funding program. The exchange of knowledge and technologies across industry boundaries is intended to provide new impetus for the entire industry. In this way, SCALE-MX can make a significant contribution to the dissemination of Manufacturing-X applications and raise awareness of the versatile potential of data spaces - from the equipment industry to the chemical sector.

As part of SCALE-MX, Bayern Innovativ is taking on a leading role for southern Germany in the preparation and dissemination of added value and technologies associated with industrial data spaces. Dr. Rainer Seßner, Managing Director of Bayern Innovativ GmbH, comments on the project launch: "Industrial data spaces are associated with considerable potential for value creation. As part of our participation in SCALE-MX, we are offering broad-based industry access to data-based business. Tailored information and support services will lower the barriers to entry, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and strengthen their digital skills. This will create a strong Manufacturing-X ecosystem in Bavaria and the whole of southern Germany."

In addition to Bayern Innovativ and the industry associations VDMA and ZVEI, the Niedersachsen.Next business development agency, DIHK Service GmbH and Wissenschaftliches Institut für Infrastruktur und Kommunikationsdienste GmbH (WIK) are also part of the consortium. The associated partners BDI e.V., Catena-X e.V., IDTA e.V. and NAMUR e.V. are also part of the project. The project will initially run for two years, during which time it will also work towards the long-term continuation of the transfer. This will be achieved, for example, by linking up with existing structures. In addition, the participating economic development agencies of the federal states will support companies in accessing suitable funding opportunities for specific implementation projects and the VDMA and ZVEI association academies will continue the transfer of knowledge.