The Hannover Messe, the annual industrial fair, is not only an inspiring meeting place, but also a kind of indicator of what the world has to offer in terms of new technology. During the 2023 edition, Marc Hendrikse, figurehead of Holland High Tech, noticed at least one thing. “Nearly half of the stands in the manufacturing halls belonged to companies involved in robotization and factory automation. That is a huge difference with the previous edition, which took place before the corona pandemic. Then there were no such stands to that extent. In recent years, the digitization of business processes has gone fast.”

Robotizing factories

In Hendrikse's view, the Netherlands is still lagging behind in terms of robotizing factories. Although, according to him, there is also a clear reason. “Our manufacturing industry is characterized by low volume, high complexity. In other words, we are good at making different types of products in low volumes in one and the same factory. This is fundamentally different from, for example, car factories abroad, where one product is more often produced. Such a process is much easier to robotise.” This does not mean that the Netherlands is leaning back in this area. On the contrary, developments are going very fast. Holland High Tech helps companies with this, for example in NXTGEN HIGHTECH, a program in which companies and knowledge institutions work together in consortia on new machines, smart industry processes and production technologies. This program is supported by the National Growth Fund.

Digitization of the chain

Another development, but one in which the Netherlands is leading the way, is the digitization of the chain. Hendrikse: “A machine in the industry often consists of countless parts from all kinds of different suppliers. By sharing knowledge and data in a smart and safe way, you can work more efficiently and keep that chain closer to home. In the Dutch sector we are dealing with a complex chain, which is why we have taken the initiative to digitize it ourselves.” Hendrikse expects this development to accelerate further in the coming years. “But a lot will also happen in the field of energy transition and circularity in the near future. In the latter case, think not only of the origin of materials, but also of reuse. Can we disassemble machines and start recycling materials? As a country, we can also take major steps in this respect, whereby the digitization of the chain will be an absolute condition.”

Further international cooperation

The field labs that have sprung up in several places in the Netherlands help to take those steps. Hendrikse: “These are test environments where companies can go with their specific issues and where the companies then develop, test and apply together in a practical and targeted manner. Think of a field lab for 3D printing, an innovative and sustainable production method.”

Further international cooperation is also a trend that we expect will help Dutch companies further, says Smart Industry Ambassador Peter van Harten. “The focus is on smart and safe cooperation at European level. We already work intensively with Germany and France, in the form of an innovation pact. This joining of forces was initiated at the end of 2018 during a working visit by the royal couple to Germany. After all, the Netherlands and Germany are countries with common challenges – such as a shrinking working population and reduced labor productivity – and with their own areas of expertise, so that we can reinforce each other. As the Netherlands, we can be proud of what we can do, for example in the field of system integration. Germany, on the other hand, is good at drive technology and robotisation.”

Machinery of the Future

An illustrative example of such a cross-border collaboration also concerns a field lab: Machinery of the Future. Van Harten: “In fact, that is the translation of agreements at government level to company level. Using the expertise of both countries, the Netherlands and Germany are digitizing machine construction together. We also pay attention to energy consumption, recycling of materials and cyber security. And we use artificial intelligence and sensor technology. In this way we help Dutch and German machine builders with the efficient, safe and sustainable development of the new generation of machines of the future. To ultimately remain competitive on an international level.”

X-factor

Manufacturing-X is a European initiative initiated by Germany, in which the Netherlands and Germany have taken the lead. Van Harten mentions Manufacturing-X as a related development for the coming years. Where the X stands for 'accelerator' (accelerator). Van Harten: “But as far as I'm concerned, it also stands for the X factor. By joining forces, by smart and secure data sharing, and by working together on cyber security and sustainability, we as Germany and the Netherlands can set an example for companies in other European countries. Show that this is the way to deal with challenges such as reduced labor productivity and challenges such as sustainability. You don't innovate, digitize and become future-proof alone, but together, both within and outside the Netherlands. Only then will opportunities arise.”

The role of government

There is of course a role for knowledge institutions and companies in the smart industry, but also for the government in this collaboration. Hendrikse concludes: “The function of the government is more than a booster. It is the famous story of the carrot and the stick. Many, in particular, smaller companies are now waiting with their digital transformation, are busy with the day-to-day business, and cannot yet climb the mountain. However, through smart subsidies and other support on the one hand and through appropriate legislation and regulations on the other hand, the government can help companies get over that mountain. In this way, the government can boost digitization, but also sustainability.”