Dear Mr. Kerling, thank you very much for allowing us to talk to you about your experiences with transformation. As an introduction to the topic, we would like to ask you what you actually understand by transformation?
Thomas Kerling: Hello, yes, this is an exciting topic and I am happy to share my experience. First of all, transformation is a very broad term. It refers to the most diverse areas of a company. For me, transformation means adapting our production to changing customer requirements and cost structures and thus optimizing the interface with our customers. Digitization plays an essential role in this process.
Why is it particularly important for small companies to tackle transformation?
Thomas Kerling: The market is changing, competition is growing. That means we have to adapt production, processes, product portfolio and business models. Especially for smaller companies, this is necessary for survival. At the same time, the transformation offers the opportunity to further expand competencies and realize innovations.
What challenges do especially small companies face in this process?
Thomas Kerling: Smaller companies in particular have less time and resources to take care of existing funding programs, for example, which are an important basis for R&D projects or even investments. In addition, many SMEs do not have the opportunity to plan long-term R&D projects, but are dependent on specific requirements and orders from their customers.
Why does it make sense, especially for small companies, to take advantage of support services such as the Transformation Pilot or Funding Pilot?
Thomas Kerling: The discussions with the Transformationslotsen Dirk Maaß und Förderlotsen Gunnar Hagemann at Bayern Innovativ have given us valuable impetus to look at new investments and modernizations and to learn about appropriate funding programs. Also, the opportunity to give a presentation on the topic of "Digitalization in small businesses" as part of an online seminar by Bayern Innovativ in spring 2021, on challenges in the transformation context, opened up new contacts and ideas for us.
How were you able to benefit specifically from the support services, such as the Transformation Pilot? What are your next steps?
Thomas Kerling: In the course of discussions with the transformation pilot Dirk Maaß, we learned about the funding program KoPa 35c and finally submitted an application to Bayern Innovativ with the support of the funding pilot, which was recently approved. This financial support represents an important milestone for our further development, as it helps to initiate necessary investments in the modernization of production. In addition, we have also become acquainted with the Enterprise European Network (EEN) at Bayern Innovativ, and we stand with Michael Holland-Moritz to conduct an Innovation Assessment as the next step [Editor's note.: Innovation Assessments are a free service for companies to professionally examine their innovation management as well as their state of digitalization and sustainability]
What tips do you have for other companies that want to dedicate themselves to the topic of transformation?
Thomas Kerling: I can only recommend that companies take advantage of the support opportunities that Bayern Innovativ offers on behalf of the Ministry of Economics for companies in transformation. My tip to companies is therefore: take advantage of the funding expertise, networking opportunities and innovation impulses offered by Bayern Innovativ to maneuver safely and sustainably through the transformation.
Thank you very much, Mr. Kerling, for this interview and continued success with your next projects.
