In the technology network it's OWL - Intelligent Technical Systems OstWestfalenLippe, more than 200 companies, research institutions and organizations are jointly developing new technologies for the digital and sustainable transformation of SMEs. With "Industrie.Zero", it's OWL has been pursuing a dual strategy for sustainable value creation since last year: companies develop intelligent products for sustainable use - and use intelligent production processes for sustainable value creation. In this way, sustainability is to become the foundation for the company's success.

Model region for sustainable value creation

To this end, it's OWL is developing new technologies and applications with the support of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. The focus is on reducing CO2 emissions, circular value creation, an intelligent energy supply and sustainable product development. New forms of skilled worker development are also on the agenda. The OstWestfalenLippe region is thus set to develop into a model region for sustainable value creation.

Pioneer of industrial transformation

Recognized as a cluster of excellence by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, it's OWL has made a name for itself as one of the largest initiatives for industrial transformation in the SME sector. Over the past ten years, the technology network has developed new fields of technology in 80 projects worth 230 million euros. In more than 300 transfer projects, small and medium-sized enterprises have been able to use the technologies and solve specific challenges. "With our new 'Industry.Zero' strategy, we now want to support companies in the industrial and sustainable transformation of their business models," announces Günter Korder, Managing Director of it's OWL Clustermanagement GmbH, adding: "With our latest projects, we are showing that digital solutions will be the key to sustainability."

Climate protection through energy efficiency

The "Climate-neutral Business in OWL" (Climate bOWL) project supports companies in optimizing their energy efficiency, for example. This is because the kilowatt hour that does not have to be generated does not emit any greenhouse gases and does not incur any costs. This is where the project comes in. By 2025, the universities of Paderborn and Bielefeld, together with the companies GEA, Miele, NTT DATA and Phoenix Contact, want to develop an intelligent assistance system that will enable companies to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions along the value chain.

Strengthening the circular economy

In the it's OWL project "ZirkuPro", Miele, a manufacturer of household and commercial appliances, is focusing on the development of sustainable electronics. "For example, Miele wants to give greater consideration to aspects of the circular economy when developing future generations of ovens. The design of components should also make repairs even easier and more efficient in future," says Prof. Dr. Roman Dumitrescu, Managing Director of it's OWL. Some electronics are made from critical materials such as rare earths and their CO2 emissions are often underestimated.

Visitors to HANNOVER MESSE 2024 in April can find out more about "Industry.Zero" and how companies can benefit specifically from the technology network and its partners at the OWL joint stand under the motto "Solutions for Industry.Zero".

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