Dialogue with Japan on cooperation in the fields of future mobility and digitalization

One could say that Baden-Württemberg, in the southwest of Germany, is the most innovative region in Europe. Major corporations as well as ‘hidden champions’ are enhancing technological advancements. Japan is one of the most important trading partners for Baden-Württemberg.

Both in Japan and in Baden-Württemberg the pillars of a successful economy are mechanical engineering and the automotive industry, both sectors, which are undergoing a transformation process that will bring about major changes for the industry. With complete value chains disappearing and new business models emerging, traditional manufacturers and suppliers have to face up to this new situation of competitiveness. Declining population numbers pose additional challenges to these industries, and international cooperation is becoming increasingly important.

During the symposium, there will be presentations about current topics concerning the future of both the mechanical engineering and the automotive fields: the future of work, the challenges of Japanese mechanical engineering, the Information Revolution.

In the panel discussion afterwards, Japanese and Baden-Württemberg experts from business and politics will discuss the future of digitization and the opportunities and challenges of collaborations between Baden-Württemberg and Japanese companies and research institutes.

Following the symposium, we are pleased to invite you to a networking session with the forty visiting representatives from Baden-Württemberg businesses and research institutes.