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AI becomes a business risk

Allianz sees artificial intelligence not only as a technological opportunity but increasingly as a massive threat to companies worldwide.

Stefan Weinzierl

Mercosur agreement: EU finally clears the way

After decades of negotiations, the path is clear for the free trade agreement between the EU and the Mercosur bloc. A historic step - with potential for conflict.

Stefan Weinzierl

AI in manufacturing: What really matters now

What AI can achieve in industrial manufacturing - and where it faces challenges in practice. In the interview, Arti Garg, chief technologist of Aveva, explains which applications are relevant and what really matters now.

Anja Ringel

Mechanical engineering 2026: Between crisis and comeback

Turning point or low point?

2026 marks a turning point in mechanical engineering: Between stagnant economy and disruptive innovation, new rules are forming for the industry.

Stefan Weinzierl

Editor's Pick View all

Machine safety 2026: Trends in IoT, AI, and cloud solutions

Digitization and automation

In 2026, manufacturers and operators face the task of integrating new technologies such as industrial IoT, artificial intelligence, and cloud solutions while meeting increasing demands for functional safety and cybersecurity. TÜV SÜD outlines key trends.

Redaktion Produktion

Insolvencies 2025: Highest level in ten years

Corporate insolvencies on record course

Germany's economy staggers: The number of corporate insolvencies rises in 2025 according to Creditreform to the highest level in over a decade - with massive consequences for employees, creditors, and industries.

Stefan Weinzierl

German industry relies on China cooperation

Strategic alliances

Despite price pressure and geopolitical tensions: German companies invest in partnerships with Chinese players - and focus on innovation instead of retreat.

Anja Ringel

MetaverseView all

Europe plans digital independence

Cloud, AI & co: Europe wants to break free from dependence

US corporations dominate cloud and AI, but Europe plans a counterattack: at the summit in Berlin, sovereignty and key technologies take center stage.

Stefan Weinzierl

18 November 2025

Transition to an 'AI-first company'

Pitfalls where AI strategies fail

90 percent of companies plan to increase their spending on AI tools next year. As of today, only six percent of respondents have not yet used artificial intelligence in some form.

Redaktion Produktion

21 October 2025

AutomationView all

Excellence in special machine construction

How Maplan perfects small series in mechanical engineering

Structure meets speed: Maplan elevates small series production in mechanical engineering to a new level. With digital precision, lean DNA, and consistent modularization, variant diversity becomes industrial excellence - awarded as factory of the year.

Maximilian Festus

12 January 2026

Digitalization, series production, transformation

Factory of the year: These companies are setting new standards

How does one become factory of the year? The current competition shows how digitalization, automation, and culture enable top production. These plants are being awarded.

Maximilian Festus

3 December 2025

New Work View all

Re- and upskilling

What the future costs

The major automotive players are investing significant amounts in re- and upskilling their people. With increasing AI usage, career paths are changing, and the right further education becomes even more crucial. Especially for medium-sized companies, this is a challenge.

Daniela Hoffmann

13 October 2025

Professionals in the automotive industry

These skills secure developers and engineers their jobs

The automotive industry is in crisis. Development engineers are also noticing this. Should they be worried about the cuts at OEMs and suppliers? Not if they have special skills.

Chris Löwer

9 October 2025

Frank Mantwill, Helmut-Schmidt-University Hamburg

Creativity remains the domain of humans

The manufacturing of vehicles is fundamentally changing - and with it, the role of humans in the factory. Professor Frank Mantwill explains which skills are necessary and where humans will remain indispensable in the future.

Pascal Nagel

8 October 2025

MarketsView all

China's foreign trade surprises with dynamism

China's exports rise despite global hurdles

China's economy defies global challenges: Foreign trade shows a sudden turnaround, with exports exceeding all forecasts - but not all figures are optimistic.

Stefan Weinzierl

8 December 2025

Digital corporate management

SAP trends 2026: These topics will dominate

The SAP cosmos is changing rapidly - cloud, AI, and sustainability are reshaping business models. Those who want to be ahead in 2026 need foresight now.

Roman Freidel

8 December 2025