Germany is among the world’s leaders in the key fields of communications, energy, mobility and life sciences. Such success can be sustained only through close ties between the scientific and business communities, and their cooperation in research and applications. The VDE offers optimal networking and platforms for such a partnership.
We work to ensure that Germany can maintain its position in high-tech markets by maintaining a global network of representatives in all key economic regions. Through international conferences and congresses, and our network of experts and services, the VDE serves as a major interface for international knowledge transfers in the electrical and IT industries. The DKE helps shape international standards, while the VDE Institute and VDE Global Services GmbH contribute to consumer protection worldwide through their product testing.
According to the VDE 2007 Innovation Monitor – a study conducted in the 1,250 member companies, universities and research institutions – Germany will defend its top position in the electrical and IT industries over the next decade. China is catching up. The biggest driver of innovation is micro- and nanotechnology. Germany is European leader in microelectronics, and world leader in automation.
We see solid market opportunities for the country in the fields of energy efficiency and energy technology, traditionally strong VDE themes. Demand for Germany’s concentrated energy know-how is growing worldwide. For example, Germany is playing a leading role in current standardization projects in the field of renewable energy – such as photovoltaics. In 2007, the VDE/DKE took over as head of the IEC “Energy Efficiency & Renewable Resources” committee.
During the year, a number of congresses, initiatives and various events highlighted Germany’s high-tech thrust. In the field of information technology, for example, ITG experts in the VDE worked on developing a powerful “Future Internet” based on advanced network technologies. ECOC 2007 – the World Congress for Optic Technologies held in Berlin – was the most important event of the year in this field. In the area of medical prevention and healthcare, the VDE initiative “Ambient Assisted Living” supports interdisciplinary research and applications for intelligent systems to help the ill and elderly manage their homes and support their communication. In another growing field, the VDE co-hosted an expert forum on “Automobile Electronics – Research Trends for 2020” at the IAA in Frankfurt to strengthen the innovation alliance between the auto industry and its suppliers.