Projects

We develop solutions for SMEs

Machine intelligence, the design of socio-technical systems, digital infrastructure, safety & security, value creation networks and advanced systems engineering. These fields of technology play a central role for the future competitiveness of industrial SMEs. In the technology network it's OWL, companies and research institutions are jointly developing new approaches and solutions with the aim of establishing an innovation platform for industrial SMEs. The following three main instruments serve this purpose: strategic initiatives, innovation projects and transfer projects.

Overall, with the support of state, federal and EU governments, projects worth EUR 200 million are to be launched until 2023. As a first step, five lead projects totalling EUR 15 million will be implemented, starting in December 2018. The key topics are machine learning, big data, digital twin, digital platforms and the working world of the future.

Project results and experiences are being incorporated into the it’s OWL innovation platform and are being made available to cluster businesses. Events and specialist groups offer the opportunity to obtain information and share experience. In cooperation with a research institute, small and medium-sized companies from OstWestfalenLippe can utilise findings to tackle specific challenges in operation with state funding. Technologies and fields of application are being showcased in demonstration centres and labs.

Strategic initiatives

Strategic initiatives combine the forces of many partners and have a great leverage effect for the development of technology fields of central importance. Three strategic initiatives worth 31 million euros are currently being implemented. The focus is on the use of artificial intelligence in the areas of product development, production and the world of work. Thirty-seven companies, research institutions and other organisations as well as around 100 associated partners are participating.
Here you can find more information about the strategic initiatives.

Innovation projects

In innovation projects, companies and research institutions jointly develop new basic technologies, solution patterns and software libraries in the above-mentioned six technology fields. 42 companies and research institutions are currently working together in 16 innovation projects (project volume: 37 million euros).
Here you can find more information about the innovation projects. 

International Projects

it’s OWL is a sought-after partner in European and international projects. Here, the cluster provides as well as receives valuable know-how in technology and facilitates the transfer of project results to a wider community.
Here you can find more information about the international projects. 

Projects from 2012 to 2017

Within the framework of the Leading-Edge Cluster Strategy, a total of 47 projects were implemented from 2012 to 2017. In 33 innovation projects, companies in cooperation with research institutions have brought new products, technologies and applications to market maturity.
Here you can find more information about the completed projects.