UdZ 01.21

Foreword Faster, better, higher, further... aiming for superlatives is typical of our economy and society today. Rapid technological developments, digitalization and globalization bring enormous advantages. However, the multitude of challenges associated with these trends often makes it difficult for us entrepreneurs to keep up. FIR has always been committed to opening up and leveraging the potential of progress for companies with its application-oriented research. Today more than ever, this ambition to be practically relevant requires close working ties between industry and research. FIR is committed to this approach with every fiber of its being. It provides companies with many points of connection to exchange ideas and develop solutions to successfully implement processes and strategies for the future-proof organization. I myself have experienced this for more than 20 years, during which we, as an active member of the FIR e. V. network, have been closely involved with the Institute. Since 2015, when I became chairman of FIR e. V ., I have been particularly involved in further developing the Institute and its activities. The FIR e. V. association is also one of the points of connection mentioned above and, in my view, a very special one, because it directly involves companies in FIR’s activities. The association is not only the founding and administrative body of FIR , but has grown into a lively, continuously expanding network of currently more than 245 companies, associations and individuals. They all have joined forces to benefit from the proximity to FIR’s research activities to gain new ideas for their business, have access to cutting-edge expertise, and exchange ideas and with other network members. As the cluster-leading institute of the Smart Logistics Cluster on RWTH Aachen Campus , FIR offers a unique infrastructure in which science and business complement each other in a special way and work together on visionary approaches and solutions. The new concept of “UdZ – The Data-driven Enterprise”, with its combination of contributions from research and industry, reflects the key mission of FIR , namely to bridge the gap between business and research. I am looking forward to reading this second edition of this year, with numerous examples of how future-proof solutions for increased productivity and competitiveness are developed by linking theory and application. The FIR e. V. network is an essential part of FIR’s success story. As Chair of the Executive Board, I am looking forward not only to actively contributing to this success story, but, above all, to welcoming new members who are committed to shaping the future of industrial management in the network. Sincerely, Ingo Kufferath-Kaßner Chairman of the Board of FIR e. V.