GRP Establishes First Innovation Hub in Germany
The executive staff from the Global Research & Platforms (GRP) division have taken a decisive strategic step in intensifying cooperation with international research institutions.
Together with the Executive Board, a decision was made to rent an “innovation hub” in the iWerkx® on the Hoepfner Areal (German website) within close proximity of the PI site in Karlsruhe (Germany). The iWerkx® is an innovative new building for “high-tech companies from the Industry 4.0 generation” and brings together companies that set new standards by combining state-of-the-art information technology with mechanical engineering and process technology. The innovation hub is intended to become a place where offices, workshops, laboratories, and showrooms interact and support new ways of working.
In the direct neighborhood of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), the FZI Research Center for Information Technology, and the Technologiefabrik Karlsruhe, numerous pioneering companies are working on the future of industry in the iWerkx®. The proximity to these leading institutes promises a strong impetus for our future topics and helps us to consolidate and further develop our technological leadership.
The concrete plans for the expansion of the innovation hub with an area of approximately 500 m² are being driven forward in close dialog with our GRP teams. Their expertise and ideas are fundamental in order to develop the full innovation power of this environment.
However, our view goes far beyond this innovation hub: To strengthen global networking of the GRP division, we are planning to establish further innovation hubs worldwide in order to exploit the synergy effects that arise through the proximity to international research institutes.
Now, the GRP teams are starting to expand and design the concept for the innovation hub premises. The aim of this is to develop the optimum possible uses, both for the new area of the innovation hub in KIT proximity, as well as for the site in Karlsruhe.
What Exactly is an “Innovation Hub”?
An innovation hub, also known as innovation center or innovation laboratory, is a physical or virtual environment that aims to promote innovations, creativity, or collaboration. It is a place where companies, startups, and researchers, as well as designers, technology experts, and other stakeholders come together to develop new ideas, design products, or research technologies, as well as work together on innovative projects.
Contact person: Salah Benamira, Strategic Controlling - Global