Innovation meets responsibility – solutions for sustainable and resource-saving production

Hannover Messe

19th German-Japanese Economic Forum at HANNOVER MESSE

The efficient use of resources and the introduction of sustainable production methods are among the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to which both Japan and Germany have committed themselves.

How are German and Japanese industrial companies planning to transform their industries to "net zero"? How can valuable resources be saved? How can Germany and Japan learn from the respective processes?

The German-Japanese Economic Forum at HANNOVER MESSE has developed into a well-known discussion and networking platform with high-profile presentations from German and Japanese industry since its launch in 2006.

At its 19th edition, the forum once again brings together experts from industry and politics to discuss the challenges, innovations, and opportunities for cooperation on key topics that will shape the future of industrial production in Germany and Japan.

This year’s program offers a wide range of perspectives: We look forward to contributions such as a talk by Satoshi Hashimoto (JOGMEC) on the importance of resource-efficient industrial production in the current geopolitical situation, followed by insights from Stefan Knauf (Mitsubishi Electric Europe) on Mitsubishi Electric’s current approaches. Dr. Yasuyuki Nishioka (Industrial Value Chain Initiative) will present models and frameworks for lean product lifecycle management aimed at a sustainable and inclusive society. In addition, Thomas Hahn (Siemens AG) will outline the Germany-Japan blueprint for global data interoperability. A subsequent panel discussion with Kazuo Nakashima (Robot Revolution and Industrial IoT Initiative) and other experts will explore the potential for collaboration between Germany’s MX Port and Open Data Spaces (ODS).

At the end of the forum, all participants are invited to a networking reception in the Solution Lab’s Lounge

Date:

  • 20.04.2026

Time:

  • 15:30-17:45 CEST

Venue:

  • Expert Stage in the “Energy & Industrial Infrastructure” Solution Lab, Hall 12

Language:

  • English

Topics:

  • Innovations for sustainable and resource-saving production
    • Material/resource efficiency in production processes
    • New/innovative materials
    • Critical Raw Material (CRM) supply chains: challenges and strategies
    • IIoT and AI as enablers of resource efficiency (e.g., Manufacturing X)

 

Program and registration: https://www.hannovermesse.de/event/19th-german-japanese-economic-forum/for/41603