Current economic and geopolitical realities demand decisive action

Competition among the leading industrial nations is intensifying, while breakthrough technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) offer unprecedented opportunities for rapid productivity gains. Companies must urgently integrate these technological innovations and strategically reposition themselves, while at the same time the current geopolitical realities demand decisive political action. Against this backdrop, a visit to HANNOVER MESSE is becoming a crucial success factor.

"Never before has attending HANNOVER MESSE been so vital to securing competitive advantage," says Dr. Jochen Köckler, chairman of the Managing Board of Deutsche Messe AG. "At a time of profound economic challenges to industry, HANNOVER MESSE delivers decisive momentum: here, global visitors discover which technologies will future proof their success and how to integrate them into their processes without delay."

Addressing geopolitical dynamics, Köckler says: "The talk in recent months has frequently been of geopolitical uncertainties. However, since the inauguration of the new U.S. president, among other things, this uncertainty has transformed into harsh clarity, with the U.S.A. doubling down on its America First agenda while China massively bolsters and steers its industrial sector."

For Europe and partners like Canada – the official partner at HANNOVER MESSE 2025 – it is time to close ranks more tightly and resolutely advance a cohesive geoeconomic strategy.

"At HANNOVER MESSE, uncertainty transforms into confidence – in both technological and political terms," concludes Köckler.

Around 4,000 companies from the general engineering, electrical, and digital industries, as well as the energy sector, will be showcasing solutions for the production and energy supply of the future at the event, with real-world application examples and artificial intelligence (AI) taking center stage.

Global tech heavyweights such as Amazon Web Services, Bosch, Google, Microsoft, Schneider Electric, and Siemens will exhibit alongside mid-sized technology leaders such as Beckhoff, Festo, Harting, ifm, LAPP, Phoenix Contact, Rittal, Schaeffler, and SEW-EURODRIVE. Renowned research institutions such as the Fraunhofer and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) will outline next-generation industrial solutions, while more than 300 startups from different technological fields unveil innovations with disruptive potential.

AI for more competitiveness
In the face of growing competitive pressure, companies need solutions that directly boost productivity and efficiency – and this is precisely where AI plays a key role. After all, AI is no longer a mere promise for the future, but a practical tool that is already generating quantifiable added value.

"Industry 4.0 had its beginning at HANNOVER MESSE; now, we're writing its next chapter with AI. However, the crucial factor lies in companies having the knowledge needed to ensure rapid, targeted integration into their processes. This is where HANNOVER MESSE comes up with precisely the right answers – with actionable solutions, expert insights, and ready-to-deploy examples," Köckler says. "AI optimizes existing machines and production processes, boosts their efficiency and makes them smarter – a key element in securing the competitiveness of industry."

The focus is on real-world application examples
"HANNOVER MESSE addresses decision-makers at all levels," Köckler says. "Production managers looking for an individual robotics solution for automating a production process or a managing director looking to digitalize an entire factory can be sure of connecting with the right contacts at HANNOVER MESSE. The focus is on both targeted solutions as well as the across-the-board transformation of entire companies – and it's always about competitiveness."

As an example, Köckler cites the Application Park, an entire exhibition area where exhibitors demonstrate how modern robotics solutions can boost efficiency in production – for example how robots can help optimize laser welding, or how battery cell production can be made more efficient and sustainable.

"Companies get valuable insights here toward optimizing their production processes – with the aim of manufacturing faster, more precisely, and in a more resource-saving manner.”

Köckler: ‘Geopolitical realities demand decisive action’
"Competitiveness also depends on a clear economic strategy," Köckler emphasizes. He sees this as one more strength of HANNOVER MESSE, an event which is also a key location where decisions impacting both economic and geopolitical landscapes are taken.

"The past few months have seen a lot of talk about geopolitical uncertainties. But my observation today is a different one: The recent Munich Security Conference exposed harsh realities," Köckler emphasizes. "The US made it abundantly clear that it will be rigorously pursuing its America First policy. At the same time, it is obvious that the Chinese government is massively bolstering the country's industry and steering its economic course in a targeted manner."

This is an unambiguous signal for Europe and its partners in the global community: "Now is the time to close ranks even more tightly, and to develop and resolutely implement a cohesive geoeconomic strategy."

HANNOVER MESSE will play a decisive role in this context as well: "In the years ahead, the event will gain in importance, both as a technological innovation platform for European industry and its partners, as well as a driving force toward stronger international cooperation."

With the current political situation in Germany in mind, Köckler emphasizes: "We cannot afford a leadership vacuum. Regardless of the outcome of the German parliamentary election on 23 February and whether we already have a new government or acting officials in office at the opening of HANNOVER MESSE – whoever bears political responsibility for Germany as a major economic hub must visit HANNOVER MESSE."