Innovative solutions to combat the shortage of skilled labour

November 15, 2023

The shortage of skilled labour is a central and far-reaching issue in today's working world. Companies around the world are faced with the challenge of finding and retaining qualified employees in the long term. This shortage affects various industries and professional fields and is often caused by a combination of demographic changes, technological change and specific labour market conditions.

On 14 November 2023, the Pioneer manufactory Bad Schönborn a networking event organised by the InnoPartner which focussed on innovative high-tech solutions to tackle precisely this problem. Under the motto "Successfully tackling the skills shortage with AI and high-tech innovations", representatives from business and technology came together to discuss practical solutions.

Picture of a kenote at the InnoPartner event on skills shortages

The event was opened by Johann SoderManaging Director of SEW Eurodrive GmbH & Co. KGwho emphasised the importance of new working models and digital solutions for overcoming staff shortages. He then presented Oliver Zattler from the CCI Fördertechnik GmbH innovative technical approaches to simplify work processes.

The highlight of the evening was the fishbowl discussion with experts such as Bettina Hofstätter from Dream company and Olga Mordvinova from Incontext.technology GmbH. The discussion was moderated by Stefan Huber, Managing Director of Regional Economic Development Bruchsal. Important topics such as employment models for women and the competitiveness of small companies compared to large corporations were highlighted.

Finally, eight start-ups (ApptiveGrid, Flux MES, HD Vision Systems, Leanbyte, WÖRK, incontext.technology, Psychological AI, Shopfloor Management Systems and symovo) pitched their solutions, including innovative digitalisation and recruitment platforms as well as personalised AI headhunters.

The event clearly showed how diverse and innovative the approaches to tackling the labour shortage are. And with InnoPartner Kraichgau such forward-looking solutions can be developed and implemented between start-ups and companies.

Interested? Then find out more now on the InnoPartner website for your free initial consultation!

A focus on five key technologies

The Rhine-Neckar Digital Hub focuses on five areas of technology that are of particular importance to the region’s competitiveness:

- Artificial Intelligence (AI): Use in production, logistics, quality management and data-driven services
- Cyber security: Critical infrastructure protection, industrial IT security and secure data rooms
- Industry Tech: IoT applications, sensor technology, automation, data analysis and networked production processes
- Sustainability and energy efficiency: CO₂ reporting, energy-saving potential in production and buildings, and drivers for the circular economy – all measurable through key digital technologies
- The Metaverse and Extended Reality (XR): Virtual and augmented reality as platforms for collaboration, training and product development, digital twins and immersive experiences

AI-powered matching platform: The right partner at the touch of a button

A key component of the Rhine-Neckar Digital Hub is the AI-powered matching feature. Companies and start-ups can describe their specific requirements or technology needs. The AI then identifies suitable Contact person and offers from the region’s partner network.

The aim is to match a specific need with a suitable contact as quickly as possible, and for this to lead to a concrete collaboration.

Events, funding opportunities and venues all in one place

In addition to AI-powered matching, the Rhein-Neckar Digital Hub provides a continuously updated overview of regional events, funding opportunities and workshops.

Also available Spaces for meetings, co-working and innovation projects across the entire metropolitan region are consolidated on the platform.

In this way, the Digital Hub makes the region’s various services and areas of expertise visible and accessible via a single digital portal.

Working together for innovation in the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region

The Rhine-Neckar Digital Hub is supported by a regional network. Consortium partners are the innoWerft, the City of Mannheim and the 5-HT Chemistry & Health.

As associated partners support the Heidelberg Technology Park, the IHK Rhine-Neckar, the Economic Development Unit of the Rhein-Neckar District Office, the Heidelberg Economic Development Agency, the Rhine-Neckar Metropolitan Region, the Mannheim University of Applied Sciencesthe NEXT MANNHEIM and that Smart Industries Network the project.

Together, the partners bring together regional expertise and services relating to key digital technologies.

The project is funded by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Skilled Trades and Tourism of Baden-Württemberg promoted.

Discover the Rhine-Neckar Digital Hub now

The Rhein-Neckar Digital Hub provides start-ups, businesses and research organisations with shared digital access to services and expertise relating to key technologies in the metropolitan region.

You’re a founder and would you like to use the Digital Hub for your start-up? Explore the platform and find out which services and contacts might be relevant to your idea!

Discover it now!