4th Innovation and Networking Days: Smart City, Energy and Intelligent Processes

Press release /

On the 6th and 7th of November the fourth annual Innovation and Networking Days took place at the Old Town Hall in Bonn. Approximately 60 professionals from fields including research, industry and administration attended the event. They discussed the future of smart cities and the possibilities for improving infrastructure and electricity networks.

© Fraunhofer FIT
4th Innovation and Networking Days took place at the Old Town Hall in Bonn.

Another topic of discussion was the importance of intelligent data analysis, in relation to optimizing sustainable development and manufacturing. Lively discussions were encouraged by the presentations of ten experts who shared their insights on current research topics as well as their experiences in their respective fields. The presentations focused topics such as Smart City, Energy and Intelligent Processes.

"It was our pleasure to host this networking event at the Old Town Hall in Bonn. The venue did not only give the possibility to exchange views on the future of digitalization in a historical building, but also the opportunity to enhance a regional, national and international network. Together, we strive to develop innovative and digital ideas for a better future", says Dr. Anja Linnemann, Fraunhofer FIT, event coordinator of this year’s Innovation and Networking Days.

Following the experts’ presentations, small group discussions took place to dive deeper into each of the presented topics. Among other things, the participants debated about the importance of the cooperation in administration, economy and citizens for smart cities, integrated solutions for positive energy regions, urban sustainability, and drones and robots in smart and sustainable cities.

During the networking buffet and poster session the participants had the chance to present their projects, talk about future collaborations and establish new contacts as well as intensify existing ones. On the second day, the areas of discussion were Data Science, Standards for IoT Devices and Data Security.

Participants commented positively on the event’s program: "My personal highlights were the poster session and the presentation by Mrs. Ferdinanda Ponci from RWTH Aachen on the first day", says Andreas Kercek, research director at Lakeside Labs.

The Innovation and Networking Days first started back in 2013 in order to implement a platform for international experts and interested people to connect and discuss current as well as future trends of digitalization. The event is organized and hosted by three different institutions: LINKS Foundation (Italy), CERTH (Greece) and Fraunhofer FIT (Sankt Augustin, Germany). Next year, the Innovation and Networking Days will take place in Greece.