Header Forschung Innovation Technologie

Research, Innovation & Technology
Dynamic changes in technologies and markets are opening up a wide range of new business opportunities for mechanical and plant engineering. Our analyses and, in particular, our activities in joint research help to identify relevant developments and trends at an early stage, build innovation networks and exploit existing opportunities through rapid knowledge transfer of current research findings.

Themenfeldgrafik Forschung, Innovation und Technologie

Empfehlung Bundestagswahl 25

VDMA NavigatorTIPP
In difficult economic times, the VDMA supports its members with valuable information and personalised advice. Together, we find the right course and strengthen the resilience of companies.

From our content

From our content
Research allowance - secure funding!

The effort required to submit an application? Doable! Do you have questions? Then take advantage of our monthly online introduction and Q&A session on tax research funding.

Knowledge transfer: future studies, future business summits

Complex topics, well-structured, easy to use: scenario deep dives convey orientation knowledge with bite, key factors and recommendations for action, presented in top-class summits.

New trends: Special edition VDMA Future Business Trend Radar 2024

Strategic compass for the future: The special edition of the trend radar contains around 40 new topics that will play a decisive role in the future of mechanical and plant engineering.

The potential of tokenization for mechanical and plant engineering

The IMPULS study "Tokenization in mechanical engineering" published today analyses Web3 technologies that promise the industry efficiency gains, new financing models and innovative monetization opportunities.

Recognizing remarkable Talent

What an inspiring Mining & Minerals Hackathon Award Ceremony at bauma 2025.

Research and Development for the future of mining

At bauma 2025, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Elisabeth Clausen, Head of the Institute for Advanced Mining Technologies at RWTH Aachen University, and Stephan Oehme spoke about research and technological developments for the future of mining.

Corporate Foresight Conference - Regulation & strategic foresight

Regulatory requirements are influencing corporate strategy worldwide. How can the mechanical and plant engineering industry deal with this and act with foresight? Answers will be provided at the Corporate Foresight Conference on May 14/15, 2025 at KSB SE & Co. KGaA.

Global patent balance: mechanical engineering in a strong position

One third of national patent applications in Germany can be attributed to the technology field of mechanical and plant engineering. In hardly any other country is this proportion as high as in Germany.

ITRPV 16th Edition published

International Technology Roadmap for Photovoltaics (ITRPV) 16th Edition. Record year 2024: 703 GW PV module shipment. TOPCon-Technology overcomes PERC dominance. Release of new interactive digital ITRPV product.

ClusterAllianz.NRW hands over future paper to Minister Neubaur

Strategic impetus for North Rhine-Westphalia's innovation and competitiveness

NRW.BANK.Invest Future

New NRW.BANK development program for SMEs with up to 20 percent repayment discount

Competitiveness of European/German PV equipment manufacturers

PV Pilot Project: Competitiveness of European/German Photovoltaic Equipment Manufacturers

EU/German PV Tech & Equipment for Global Manufacturing

VDMA Services GmbH study on European and German manufacturers of solar production equipment and side event on May 6 at Intersolar Europe 2025.

ITRPV 16th Edition Showcasing the new exclusive digital product

The 16th edition of the International Technology Roadmap for Photovoltaics (ITRPV) and the presentation of the Roadmap's new exclusive digital product at the side event on May 8, 2025 at Intersolar Europe 2025.

Sensor Technology and Data Law in the Glass Industry

On February 19, 2025, the 35th meeting of the Industrial Working Group on Research and Technology took place.

Member information "Water and wastewater technology marketplace"

Exclusively for members, the specialist department for water and wastewater technology provides a new information service with its publication "Marketplace Water and Wastewater Technology".

Mechanical engineering benefits from international students

The number of international students in Germany is growing steadily. This is good news for mechanical engineering.

LIGNA.FutureSquare: Startup power for the wood industry

The Startup Area @ LIGNA.FutureSquare is entering the next round. From May 26 to 30, 2025, 13 startups from four countries will present their pioneering solutions for the industry at LIGNA, the world's leading trade fair for woodworking and wood processing.

Key demands of the VDMA for the 21st legislative period

To ensure the competitiveness of the mechanical and plant engineering industry, the VDMA is calling for reliable economic framework conditions. A strong industry means a strong economy.

Innovation opportunity for startups & SMEs: EIC Pathfinder Challenge

Under the title "Towards Autonomous Robot Collectives Delivering Collaborative Tasks in Dynamic, Unstructured Construction Environments", the EIC is looking for pioneering technologies for the use of autonomous robotic collectives in the construction industry.

Presentations and technical documentation AKT 2025

Exclusively for our industry members, here are all the presentations from the AKT 2025 events.

"The key to global competition"

The mechanical and plant engineering sector is investing billions in research and development - and is thus consistently focusing on innovation and new technologies.

Startup Spotlight @ LIGNA.FutureSquare with improvem

At LIGNA.FutureSquare 2025, the startup improvem from Austria shows how the digital twin makes wood processing more transparent, efficient and sustainable - for smarter production processes and future-proof companies.

Startup Spotlight @ LIGNA.FutureSquare with ligenium

Revolutionizing intralogistics with intelligent wood-based materials - that is ligenium's mission. The startup, which was already nominated for the 2023 Mechanical Engineering Summit Startup Award, is presenting itself for the first time at LIGNA.FutureSquare 2025.

Title

Description

Working group on the energy efficiency of refrigeration systems newly founded

Energy efficiency measures in refrigeration technology help to achieve climate protection and economic efficiency targets. The Fachverband Allgemeine Lufttechnik therefore called together experts on the subject.

Startup Spotlight @ LIGNA.FutureSquare with Deeplai

After a successful debut at LIGNA.FutureSquare 2023, Polish startup Deeplai will exhibit again at the Startup Area this year. Deeplai brings state-of-the-art AI technologies to the wood industry.

Targeted matchmaking: how successful collaborations are created

In 2023, EMO Hannover attracted numerous company representatives from the production technology sector. It will take place again from September 22 to 26, 2025 and will further expand the focus on matchmaking between startups and corporates in the Startup Area.

Where do the parties stand on VDMA demands?

The VDMA has addressed extensive demands to politicians. What do the parties think? Our overview shows the extent to which the mechanical and plant engineering industry is taken into account in the programs for the federal election on February 23, 2025.

INNOspace Masters enters the next round

INNOspace Masters promotes ideas for the transfer of technology and know-how from other industries to the space sector or from the space sector to non-space sectors.

Research Wind & Matchmaking Symposium 2025: Innovation meets cooperation

The VDMA Wind Industry Working Group invites you to the Research Wind & Matchmaking Symposium 2025! A unique event where wind industry and research develop new project ideas for the future of wind energy.

16th Innovation World Cup at HANNOVER MESSE 2025

Once again, the Innovation World Cup Series will take place at Hannover Messe 2025 to honor outstanding techpreneurs. 17 startups, scaleups and innovative SMEs will pitch live on April 1.

BMWK funding for SMEs: new ZIM guideline

The Central Innovation Program for SMEs (ZIM) is a nationwide funding program that is open to all technologies and sectors.

Fostering Innovation and Shaping the Future

The high pace of innovation in mechanical and plant engineering requires more industry orientation in funding, strengthening of collaborative research, transfer platforms, and the expansion of research funding for future-proof jobs.

Institute of Machine Tools and Production Technology

The Institute of Machine Tools and Production Engineering (IWF) is jointly headed by Prof. Klaus Dröder and Prof. Christoph Herrmann.

Forschungsgemeinschaft Industrieofenbau - who we are and what we do

Thermal process technology plays a decisive role in international competition against the backdrop of declining resources and global climate change. Innovations regarding the substitution of fossil sources are moving into focus

Tax incentives for research

Tax incentives for research offer small and medium-sized companies in particular incentives to invest in research and development.

Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (Leibniz-IPHT)

The Leibniz-IPHT is researching biophotonic methods and technologies that are entering new dimensions in terms of resolution, sensitivity, specificity, speed, accuracy and automation.

Research and Technology: Future Innovations in Mining

Sustainability, technological progress and future prospects are just some of the topics that concern our industry.

"An end to overregulation and far too high cost burdens"

Heavy seas and no calm in sight: the mechanical engineering industry expects a decline in production and a slight reduction in jobs in 2025. A political turnaround is needed to strengthen the industry.

VDMA Startup-Machine brings innovations to the big stages in 2025

2025 will be a highlight year for mechanical and plant engineering companies and startups. VDMA Startup-Machine connects young companies with established players in mechanical engineering at the leading industry events.

Startups pave the way to climate neutrality in the construction machinery industry

At bauma 2025, startups showed how pioneering technologies and creative solutions can transform the construction industry.

Startups bring digital innovations to the construction industry

More efficient project management, autonomous robots and AI-supported innovations for a sustainable construction industry.

Startup Spotlight @ LIGNA.FutureSquare with Voodin Blades

Voodin Blades celebrates its premiere at LIGNA.FutureSquare 2025. CEO Tom Siekmann shares his goals and explains why participation is an important step for the Hessian startup.

Startup solutions point the way to a sustainable construction sector

bauma 2025 highlighted startups that are pioneering the transition to zero-emission and sustainable practices in the construction sector.

Startups drive sustainable change in mining

At bauma 2025, startups played a key role in the transformation of the mining industry towards greater efficiency, safety and sustainability.

Innovative drive concepts from startups drive the future

At bauma 2025, startups presented their innovative drive concepts tailored to the specific requirements of the construction industry.

Institute of Materials in Electrical Engineering 1 RWTH Aachen

The Institute of Materials in Electrical Engineering 1 (IWE 1) researches new technologies in the field of micro- and nanosystems and develops bio- and chemosensors for applications.

Research Guide Micro Technologies

We, the Micro Technologies department of VDMA EMINT, would like to create a research guide for our members with relevant research institutes from the world of microtechnology. The aim is to give our members an overview of the research landscape and thus an easy tool for finding potential project partners.

Study on EU type approval for self-propelled machinery presented

Last Friday, the Aachen-based research institute fka presented a study commissioned by the EU Commission on the technical requirements of self-propelled machinery for use on public roads.

Our expert and focus topics

Our expert and focus topics
Future Business
Trendscouting - Foresight - Startups: We are tracking the future of mechanical engineering. Well structured and across all sectors within VDMA, in the almost infinite variety of complex topics for the next 10-15 years. Our goal: to identify trends and disruptions relevant to machine makers at an early stage and make them usable, to point out new business opportunities and to build networks.
Water
Water, the basis of life and a source of energy, dominates 71percent of the earth's surface. Its power and industrial importance are at the centre of our focus topic.
Research Funding
In order to support long-term and future-oriented research and development, innovative projects are granted financial backing. In addition to collaborative and joint research, companies may also benefit from tax-based research funding.
Biologicalization
Digitization alone cannot solve key challenges such as climate protection and resource scarcity. The biologization of industry offers another dimension to Industry 4.0 and a perspective on the future of production. Mechanical engineering plays a key role in this and offers a huge toolbox for biological processes and mechanisms. VDMA focus topic deals with technological solutions for transferring and integrating biology into the world of industrial application.
Industrial collective research
Industrial Collective Research (IGF) serves as a unique innovation platform for small and medium-sized enterprises. Being a thematically open and industry-driven program, IGF represents an important building block in pre-competitive research for the mechanical and plant engineering sector.
Innovation and transfer networks
Research, innovation and transfer networks allow us to reach a broad range of companies with offers suited for practical application. Key success factors include networking and maintaining a dialog with the parties involved, consolidating a wide range of competencies and quickly transferring research results to companies in the mechanical and plant engineering sector.
Corporate Foresight
Corporate Foresight means conducting futurology from a corporate perspective in order to „manage“ the future. It is a vision-building process which complements classical innovation management and prepares for all kinds of change – achieving resilience no matter what kind of trend or forecast will become real.
Go For Green Tech!
The mechanical and plant engineering sector is an enabler for climate protection and resource efficiency. The VDMA initiative "Go For Green Tech!" shows successful examples from practice.
Manufacturing-X
Industry 4.0 needs easily available, secure and consistent data networking. Manufacturing-X is designed to make this possible. The goal is to establish a data ecosystem that enables trustworthy data exchange between companies based on open standards and offers companies digital sovereignty.
Engineering education for the mechanical engineering sector
For many employees, working in a home office is a completely new situation that has caught them very unprepared due to the pandemic. This raises a host of practical and legal issues.
Artificial Intelligence
Everyone is talking about artificial intelligence and machine learning. At VDMA, there are already many organizational units that are examining the topic more closely. Here, you can gain some insight into all the activities that the VDMA is conducting on the topic of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence.
Shutterstock
Quantum Technologies and Photonics
The Quantum Technologies and Photonics Forum was founded with the vision of showing members the potential of quantum technologies and photonics, paving the way for applications and thus improving the future and competitiveness of mechanical engineering.
Battery Production
Electromobility and battery production are gaining ground worldwide, and this is just the beginning. To make the right decisions early and be competitive, it is essential to have your finger on the pulse of innovative production solutions.
International Technology Roadmap for Photovoltaic (ITRPV)
The International Technology Roadmap for Photovoltaic (ITRPV) is developed by the PV industry for the PV industry. Twice a year, data is collected from the contributors and processed anonymously as well as evaluated by the VDMA. Participation is free of charge.
Intralogistics
Modern intralogistics systems enable reliable and flexible production supply and efficient processes in the warehouse. Through increasing automation and digitalization, the systems are becoming more intelligent and will be able to optimize themselves in the future.
Drones
Commercial drone applications are also gaining importance in mechanical and plant engineering as well as adjacent B2B customer industries.
Wind Energy
Wind energy plays an important role in security of supply and will be crucial to achieve climate neutrality in the energy system. It ensures value creation and employment as well as energy independence. In addition, the availability of renewable energies is a decisive location factor for economic regions.
Fuel cell
Fuel cells play a central role in CO2-neutral energy supply and are part of national hydrogen strategies.
Fuel cell innovation cluster
The innovation cluster for large-scale production of fuel cell stacks (GO-Start BZ) is to support the potentials of an industrialization of stack production in Germany.
Forum Glass Technology
It is impossible to imagine modern life without glass, a more than 5,000 years old material. Every day, new technological and market-specific challenges confront the machine and plant manufacturers in glass production, processing, and finishing.

Level 1 Themenwolke

Podigee

To the point

To the point

Auf den Punkt Zitat - Themenfeld Research, Innovation, Technology

“By participating in the HM.prototype.club competition, Siemens Energy was able to discover remarkable talents and innovative solutions.”

Jaydeep Naha, General Manager Digital Solutions and Project Execution, Siemens Energy

Auf den Punkt Zahl - Themenfeld Forschung, Innovation, Technologie

4500

projects

were submitted for funding by almost 1,600 companies in the mechanical and plant engineering sector between spring 2021 and January 2024.

Source: ZEW Mannheim / VDMA

Auf den Punkt Zusammenfassung - Themenfeld Forschung, Innovation, Technologie

Summary
Digital trend radar platform Peacoq
  • The VDMA Future Business Trend Radar has been fully digitized to make the content more accessible and customizable.
  • The platform offers a longlist of 160 trends and 70 trend maps, which are regularly updated and have also been available in English since November 2023.
  • The Peacoq platform, developed with Foresight Solutions, offers new features such as PDF export and an AI-driven radar chart.
  • The content of the platform is continuously maintained and developed by VDMA and partners such as Fraunhofer ISI.

VdmaSambaEvents

Events

Tue. 29.04.25 Tue. 29.04.25

  • Startup-Machine & Startups
  • Competence Center Future Business

Discover startup contacts and trends worldwide?! The new digital startup search platform for mechanical engineering makes it possible. By participating in the web seminar, you will receive an introduction to the possibilities of the new dashboard as well as your personal access so that you can use the tool to search for startups yourself.

Places available

Wed. 07.05.25 Wed. 07.05.25

exclusive

  • Tax Policy
  • Research, Innovation & Technology
  • Research Funding

Take advantage of our introduction and Q&A session online. - BOOKED OUT.

Take advantage of our introduction and Q&A session online. - BOOKED OUT.

Wed. 14.05.25 Thu. 15.05.25

exclusive

  • Corporate Foresight
  • Competence Center Future Business

Regulatory requirements are influencing corporate strategy worldwide. How can the mechanical and plant engineering industry deal with this and act with foresight? Answers will be provided at the Corporate Foresight Conference on 14/15 May 2025 at KSB SE & Co. KGaA.

Places available

Our services

Our services
Series of Research events
We organize various events on the topic of research.
Knowledge transfer: Future studies, Future Business Summits
Complex topics, well-structured, easy to use: Scenario deep dives convey orientation knowledge to the point, key factors and recommendations for action, presented in top-class summits.
Facts and figures: Research and innovation in mechanical engineering
In our theme publication you will find facts and figures on research and development, innovations and patents in mechanical engineering.
Collection of I4.0 research at German research institutes
The collection provides an overview of the German research landscape around Industry 4.0. In the new edition 2019, around 40 universities and institutes present their current projects.
Online Library Digitalization & Industry 4.0
The VDMA accompanies and supports its members on their path to Industry 4.0. Here you will find an overview of the latest publications on this topic.
MBI Events
The Mechanical Engineering Institute is offering a variety of continuing education courses in the field of digitalization and innovation. Learn more about our offer now and get in shape for the digital revolution!
VDMA Trendscouting: The Peacoq Foresight Support Platform
Trends and disruptions relevant for mechanical engineering compiled in our online tool. Use longlist, trend cards and radar graphic for research, presentation and individualization according to your needs.
Startup Radar Dashboard - Find startups for mechanical engineering online
Discover startup contacts and trends for mechanical engineering worldwide?! The new digital startup search platform helps to find suitable partners.
Startup Events
As a platform for mechanical engineering and startups, we bring both parties together: We create spaces to meet, establish networks and initiate partnerships.

Ausschüsse

Committees

Asset Publisher

VDMA partners

Photo
Industrielle Gemeinschaftsforschung, AiF Forschungsnetzwerk Mittelstand
Photo
Forschungskuratorium Maschinenbau e.V.
Photo
IMPULS-Stiftung
Photo
Fraunhofer-Institut für System- und Innovationsforschung ISI

Ihr Kontakt

Vorteilskommunikation

Benefits for you as a member

Largest industry network in Europe

3,600 primarily medium-sized member companies in the capital goods industry make the VDMA the largest industrial association in Europe and the most important network organization in the industry.

Strong representation of interests

The VDMA is the most important voice of the machinery and equipment manufacturing industry. It represents the common economic, technical and scientific interests of the industry in Germany and around the world.

A wide range of services

More than 500 VDMA employees worldwide support you with practical services to make the right decisions in your company - along the entire value chain.