In the context of global value chains and production processes, transnational cooperation is a fundamental basis for the future competitiveness of individual companies. With this in mind, representatives of Plattform Industrie 4.0 and the Robot Revolution Initiative came together last week during the Hannover Messe trade fair in order to adopt a joint agreement on future cooperation.

This agreement was preceded by numerous discussions as well as a first multi-lateral exchange in February 2016 upon invitation by the Japanese Ministry for Economic Affairs, Trade and Industry and the Robot Revolution Initiative under its auspices. At that point, representatives from Japan, the United States and Germany – including Plattform Industry 4.0 – exchanged best practices on innovative production processes with the use of digital technologies. According to the agreement, joint areas of activity will include cyber security, international standardisation, the reform of international regulation as well as supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, among others. The first step towards achieving joint results will be the setting up of binding channels of communication, and the organisation of joint meetings and workshops.

The agreement was established in the context of a joint declaration on future German-Japanese cooperation signed by State Secretary Matthias Machnig and the Japanese vice-minister at the Ministry for Economic Affairs, Trade and Industry Takayuki Ueda on 28 April 2016 in Tokyo. From the Japanese side, the exchange with representatives of Plattform Industrie 4.0 was continued during the Hannover Messe trade fair in form of a visit to the platform’s stand within the context of the 10th German-Japanese Economic Forum on 28 April 2016.

The complete text of the agreement between Plattform Industrie 4.0 and the Robot Revolution Initiative can be viewed here (PDF, 201 KB).

For any questions on the role of Plattform Industrie 4.0, please contact Mr Henning Banthien, Head of office of Plattform Industrie 4.0 (h.banthien@plattform-i40.de).

Mr Tomoaki Kubo, Head of the RRI office will be happy to answer any ques-tions on the Robot Revolution Initiative (RRI) (tomoaki.kubo@jmfrri.gr.jp).

You can also find more information on the initiative here.