HANNOVER MESSE: Conference on the digital transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ukraine

HANNOVER MESSE is focusing on the economic reconstruction of Ukraine. A conference on 23 April 2024 will discuss how digital technologies can help the country to economically withstand the consequences of the Russian war of aggression. The Fraunhofer Institute for Factory Operation and Automation (IFF) initiated the event as part of a Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) project on the "Digital Transformation of SMEs in the Eastern Partnership Countries (DT4SME)". The Deutsche Messe Technology Academy is co-organizer of the conference.

"Digital transformation strengthens productivity and resilience"

The agenda for the trade fair event includes contributions from high-ranking representatives from Ukraine and the EU. Valeriya Ionan, Deputy Minister for European Integration at the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, and Malgorzata Nikowska, Head of the Digital Transformation of Industry Unit of the Directorate General DG CONNECT of the European Commission, will speak. An international press conference will round off the event at HANNOVER MESSE.

The conference, which will focus on the use of digital technologies in Ukraine, will be chaired and moderated by Kay Matzner from the Fraunhofer IFF. Matzner has many years of research experience in the country: "The use of digital technologies offers great opportunities for the public and private sectors of the Ukrainian economy. Automated and semi-automated processes are becoming more efficient, more productive and more resilient. This is because modern and networked production facilities provide data in real time, increase productivity and reduce downtime." The Fraunhofer IFF also wants to contribute to Ukraine's economic reconstruction with its own technological developments such as drone-based mine detection and zero engineering robotics.

Key role for European Digital Innovation Centres (EDIH)

The European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) play an important role in the digital and green transformation. They make it possible to test new technologies, develop digital expertise and gain access to funding.

The possibility of networking with European partners is an important goal when the EDIHs also begin their work in Ukraine in the course of 2024 with the support of the European Commission. They will join a network of more than 150 EDIHs, 17 of which are based in Germany. The EDIHs will cover a wide range of industries and technologies that are relevant for Ukrainian as well as European companies and public organizations.

Together with the Kharkiv Aviation Institute (KhAI), the Fraunhofer IFF is coordinating the preparations for the establishment of such an EDIH in the Kharkiv region and the surrounding area. Kay Matzner: "The task will be to drive forward the digital and green transformation of important economic sectors in eastern Ukraine and thus support the functioning and modernization of the local economy. The Kharkiv project is aimed in particular at Ukrainian SMEs in the fields of agriculture, energy and industrial production. It is managed by the Kharkiv IT Cluster. Felix Kullmann, Technical Advisor at GIZ: "The Ukrainian EDIHs will provide support and services for the twin transition of local public and private organizations throughout the country and thus make a significant contribution to the economic reconstruction of Ukraine".

Dates:

Conference: Rebuilding Ukraine – new opportunities through digital transformation
Tuesday, 23 April 2024, 10:30 - 14:30 CEST,
Deutsche Messe Technology Academy, Pavilion 36, Hanover Exhibition Center

Press event:
Tuesday, 23.04.2024, 9:30 - 10:15 CEST,
Deutsche Messe Technology Academy, Pavilion 36, Hannover Exhibition Center