Challenges in mechanical engineering – an exchange with Dorothee Bär (MdB)

Recently, we had the opportunity to welcome Ms Dorothee Bär, Member of the German Bundestag, to FGB. During her visit, Ms Bär was particularly interested in the diverse challenges in mechanical engineering, which were addressed by the two managing directors Thorsten and Bastian Steinbach.

In an open discussion, those areas that are currently of particular concern to the industry were addressed:

• International competitiveness: In global competition, innovation, speed of implementation and deregulation are decisive for competitiveness in key industries.
• Automation throughout: Only through incentives for consistent automation of all manufacturing processes can Germany maintain its role as a leading producer in the world market.
•  Shortage of skilled workers: The investment of industry and educational institutions in training as well as further education and training of employees must be increased in order to maintain quality and quantity.
• Digitalization: The increasing use of AI tools and cloud computing requires end-to-end digitization based on a high-performance IT infrastructure in all areas.

Ms Bär showed great interest in the challenges faced by SMEs, particularly when it came to reducing bureaucracy and promoting innovation, and emphasized the importance of SMEs as the backbone of the German economy. In the joint discussion, it became clear how important a constructive dialog between politics and business is for ensuring Germany’s competitiveness and innovative strength.

We would like to thank Ms Bär for the last-minute visit and the open discussion!