"Innovative technologies and a clear economic policy agenda - that's what matters if Hannover is to send out signals of new beginnings and confidence," says Dr. Jochen Köckler, CEO of Deutsche Messe. The trade fair boss is convinced that 50% of this equation has already been fulfilled. "The exhibiting companies will make their contribution: they will show technologies that enable industry to produce competitively and sustainably - all over the world!"

The innovations at the trade fair will focus on intelligent and_CO2-neutral production, AI, hydrogen and energy solutions. "Our exhibitors will show that a competitive and sustainable industry is also possible in Europe. However, this requires a reliable regulatory framework that promotes innovation and entrepreneurship," says Köckler.

The solution lies in the interplay of automation, digitalization and electrification, broad cross-industry and cross-border cooperation and a clear political course. With 4,000 exhibitors, record participation from the world of politics and the partner country Norway, Hannover Messe 2024 is the ideal platform for this.

"Visitors to the Hannover Messe are looking for answers to the question of how they can use automation, artificial intelligence, state-of-the-art drive technology, renewable energies or hydrogen sensibly. The exhibitors at Hannover Messe provide precisely this expertise," says Köckler.

The exhibiting companies include global tech giants such as AWS, Bosch, Google, Microsoft, SAP, Schneider Electric and Siemens as well as medium-sized technology leaders such as Beckhoff, Festo, Phoenix Contact, Rittal, SEW-Eurodrive and Harting. Renowned research institutes such as Fraunhofer or the KIT (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology) and more than 300 start-ups will also be at the start in the exhibition halls. The exhibiting companies come from 60 countries. The top 5 exhibiting nations are Germany, China, Turkey, the USA and Italy.

"At the Hannover Messe, technology is showcased, business is driven forward and economic policy is made by decision-makers from politics, industry and business, who are coming to Hannover in April in greater numbers and at a higher level than ever before," says Köckler. "In Hanover, politicians can experience the technology with which the challenges of our time can be solved." More than 300 delegations from all over the world are expected. Led by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who will open the Hannover Messe together with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. In addition, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and Federal Minister of Economics Robert Habeck will use the industry's leading trade fair to exchange ideas with representatives of the business community.

Artificial intelligence: the next level of industrial digitalization

"The speed at which AI solutions are finding their way into industry is breathtaking. Companies must invest now and, above all, introduce their employees to the opportunities offered by AI, otherwise they will be left behind by the competition," emphasizes Köckler.

Concrete applications can be seen at the Hannover Messe: Robots that can be controlled by voice, machines that automatically detect errors and systems that reduce downtimes through predictive maintenance.

Generative AI will play a role at many stands and will be discussed on the conference stage at the trade fair. Among others, with the German AI hopeful Jonas Andrulis, who wants to offer an alternative to the predominant AI models of American and Chinese companies with his company Aleph Alpha.

When will the hydrogen economy arrive?

With the increasing use of volatile renewable energy sources, hydrogen is increasingly coming into focus as a suitable energy carrier for an emission-free economy. With over 500 companies, Hannover Messe is the most important platform for ready-to-use hydrogen solutions in an industrial context and a platform for the international ramp-up of the global hydrogen economy.

Köckler: "Hydrogen offers enormous opportunities as the green energy carrier par excellence. However, the current speed of implementation and scaling is insufficient. The development of a hydrogen economy now requires bold political decisions in the regulatory area, intensive research and development for rapid implementation and the development of the necessary infrastructure for scaling. This is the only way to establish viable business models."

Manufacturing X: A secure data space for European industry

European companies need a secure data room if they want to fully exploit the potential of a networked industry. Industry in Europe can rely on a concept that is specifically tailored to SMEs: Manufacturing-X. A secure data room for the exchange of knowledge and the joint processing of projects, which simultaneously offers companies data sovereignty and room for innovation. This is because the company's most important treasure - its own data and domain knowledge - does not have to be left to a large platform operator in this model.

Partner country Norway: Powerhouse for energy and digitalization

Norway is using the Hannover Messe global stage to present itself as an innovative and reliable energy partner, among other things. The partner country's motto is "Norway 2024: Pioneering the Green Industrial Transition". This underlines Norway's claim to play a key role in the development of solutions in the fields of renewable energies,_CO2-neutral production, carbon capture and the digitalization of industry.

European Union: A strong economic alliance

Two months before the elections in Europe, the European Union presents itself as a strong economic alliance at the Hannover Messe. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, will open the program with a speech at the opening ceremony on 21 April. The EU program during the trade fair includes the "Investing in European Industry" conference on 22 April, where industry representatives can discuss topics such as the Green Deal with EU politicians.