Lightweight systems engineering as a
factor for global market success

– Internationalized networking of clusters of lightweight engineering excellence –

The combination of increasing globalization and a highly differentiated rate of development from the perspective of both demographics and affluence around the world is creating an ever more complexly networked global society in which we must find and assert our position. In the case of industrial nations – and in particular export-based economies such as Germany’s, which is also characterized by a high standard of living and an ageing population – this is set to become a central issue in a volatile competitive environment. The use of intelligent solutions to keep complexity in check and reap the associated rewards will therefore become the mark of a strong, competitive industrial society. In addition, sustainability and responsible resource strategies are required to ensure that resources are used efficiently to safeguard growth, quality of life and jobs.

Function-integrating lightweight engineering is a cross-sector approach to this challenge, and offers a number of special competitive advantages. The incorporation of all relevant material combinations and manufacturing processes – including recycling strategies – into the design-technological product concept is nevertheless required if success is to be achieved. Highly networked, goal-oriented strategic cooperation between industrial firms, service providers and research institutions is therefore a key prerequisite. In particular, even stronger ties between the natural sciences and engineering are required. The defintion of tie points and the establishment of strategic networks with greater production depth (i.e. partners from material to component level) and cooperation width (i.e. industrial firms, R&D specialists and universities) are therefore set to continue to gain in importance.

Networked, borderless thought and action will herald a paradigm shift in all areas of society, with innovation remaining a trend and driver which shapes our economy. As we all know, innovation begins in the mind. An individual who attempts to assess and provide solutions for complex international issues will quickly reach the limits of their ability and expertise. To overcome this hurdle, they need to blend local teamwork with concerted, responsible international cooperation in order to achieve the required level of efficiency.

Dresden – as a gateway to the East – and the Institute of Lightweight Engineering and Polymer Technology (ILK) at the TU Dresden were sensitized to this emerging necessity for cooperative networking and exchange – and in particular with our neighbour and partner country Poland – at an early stage.

The Dresden International Lightweight Symposium is the leading event of its kind for lightweight engineers, and will be held for the 16th time in 2012. Its main area of focus will be strategies for successful networking, with examples taken from a variety of sectors. On the one hand, the symposium provides a platform for the exchange of knowledge and experience between science, industry and politics. On the other, it remains an ideal opportunity for fruitful networking.

I would therefore like to join with our partner country Poland in inviting you to actively promote internationalized networking in your specialist fields and stride towards Europe’s future with enthusiasm and success.

Programm 2012