Innovative exchange between small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) and the science community through PROTECA and the “Industrie-Dialog Aachen”
PROTECA invited entrepreneurs from Aachen and the region to the Invention Center to discuss the topic of “Innovation”
On November 27, 2015 the network PROTECA of the Cluster of Excellence of Integrative Production Technology Aachen at RWTH Aachen University hosted the expert panel “Innovation” in close cooperation with the “Industrie-Dialog Aachen at Campus Melaten. Around 25 representatives of companies based in Aachen and its region joined the panel. After an introduction talk on the topic of “Innovation” by Markus Wellensiek of the Invention Center, best practice examples of cooperation between small and medium-sized businesses (SME) and RWTH Aachen University were presented including remarks by Mr. Schürings of the “Industrie-Dialog Aachen”. In addition to PROTECA, Dr. Johannes Mandelartz of the department of Innovation Transfer of the FH Aachen (Aachen University of Applied Sciences) also participated in this PROTECA network meeting for the first time, emphasizing in particular the aspect of cooperation between science and industry. Finally, further ideas concerning innovation were presented in a workshop and discussed by all attendees. Sustainability and competitiveness were emphasized as key aspects in regards to the need of further innovations and solutions. Ultimately, it was agreed that mutual impulses and discussions are of crucial value to the regional companies. In the end, unanimous agreement was reached upon the need to improve dialogue and openness between regional SMEs and RWTH Aachen University – especially concerning closer cooperation in the field of production technology. Cooperating with the “Industrie-Dialog Aachen”, PROTECA once more established a basis to improve cross-linking the potentials of science and practical application.
Images: Manuel Gomez-Dardenne @CoE