Major agreement signed for advanced research and study at the University of Pforzheim
Pforzheim University and WFG North Black Forest Lead Major Transformation Project
The North Black Forest region, Germany, is set to witness a significant transformation in its automotive industry, thanks to the launch of the TraFoNet North Black Forest project. This regional initiative, with a total volume of €6.7 million, aims to support local companies in the automotive and supplier industry as they navigate the dynamic changes occurring in the mobility and automotive sectors.
The project, which is fully funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, brings together Professor Dr. Bernhard Kölmel and Professorin Dr. Rebecca Bulander from Pforzheim University, who have been involved in the project from the beginning. Bernhard Kölmel, an expert in the field of transformation in the automotive sector, emphasizes the importance of the willingness to change in companies, while Rebecca Bulander, an expert in the field of digital transformation, sees valuable potential in reducing complex processes.
Work package 2 of the project focuses on creating a research basis for platform economy, with Pforzheim University tasked with setting up a knowledge base for shaping the future. Jochen Protzer, Managing Director of WFG North Black Forest, considers this step important for the region, and believes that the project will provide the means to shape a crucial piece of the future in the automotive and supplier sector. Protzer states that the TraFoNet North Black Forest project is the largest funding project brought to the region.
The research and development contract is worth exactly €799,999.93, and WFG North Black Forest wants to actively accompany the companies in the project and is well-positioned in the consortium of regional actors together with Pforzheim University. Professor Dr. Ulrich Jautz, Rector of Pforzheim University, considers the commission for the TraFoNet North Black Forest project a great vote of confidence for the university's competence and innovative strength.
Rebecca Bulander sees the TraFoNet North Black Forest project as an opportunity for companies in the North Black Forest region to bring digital transformation into their companies, explore new markets, and apply new business models. The objectives of the project include facilitating innovation and digitalization, supporting structural change, enhancing networking and knowledge transfer, promoting sustainable mobility, and strengthening regional economic development.
By boosting competitiveness, accelerating innovation, securing jobs, fostering regional collaboration, and supporting sustainable economic growth, TraFoNet North Black Forest serves as a pivotal driver for transforming the regional automotive sector. The contracts were signed at Pforzheim University on Tuesday.
Technology plays a crucial role in the TraFoNet North Black Forest project as it aims to create a research basis for platform economy and reduce complex processes through digital transformation. Pforzheim University, with its experts in transformation and digitalization, will contribute significantly to this technological aspect of the project.
