The digitalisation of manufacturing processes throughout the entire global value chain offers huge economic potential. Germany and Australia are connected actors in this global value chain and as such, they will work together more closely in future in order to leverage the opportunities this area offers for both economies. At the global leading trade fair for Industry 4.0 – the Hannover Messe – initiatives from both countries, Plattform Industrie 4.0 from Germany and the Industry 4.0 Taskforce from Australia, agreed on closer cooperation.

In the presence of German Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Brigitte Zypries and Australian Ambassador Lynette Wood, representatives from Plattform Industrie 4.0 and the Industry 4.0 Taskforce agreed on closer cooperation in five areas: reference architecture, norms and standards, supporting small and medium-sized companies (SME), Testing centres for Industry 4.0, security of connected systems as well as jobs and training.

The basis for this cooperation agreement is formed by existing bilateral initiatives which are designed to foster closer relations between Germany and Australia. These include among others the “Australia-Germany Treaty on Science and Technology Cooperation” and the “Australia-Germany Advisory Group” (AGAG).