With around 600 participants from the fields of politics, business, research, and regional development, the Annual Regional Policy Conference held in Chemnitz in November 2025 provided a broad platform for exchange and networking. The event focused on the key future-oriented topics of structural change, transformation, and regional competitiveness. Uwe Pfeil and Steve Schumann attended on behalf of the Cluster Mobility & Logistics.
The morning session focused on political and economic developments.
Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer emphasized the importance of resilient regions and rapid transformation processes, while Minister of Economic Affairs Katherina Reiche highlighted the role of innovation, energy prices, and location policy.
Economic expert Monika Schnitzer stressed that Germany must significantly accelerate the transfer of digital and AI-based technologies.
This was followed by best-practice presentations from companies and a panel discussion on future prospects for industry, energy, and mobility.
In the afternoon, the conference offered several workshops on various areas of transformation.
Keynote Presentation by the Cluster Mobility & Logistics
Uwe Pfeil, Cluster Manager of the Cluster Mobility & Logistics, delivered a keynote presentation on the topic “Strengthening Regional Value Creation – New Defense as a Growth Driver for Industry and SMEs” and subsequently discussed opportunities for suppliers, technologies, and dual-use innovations with the participants.
Steve Schumann, Project Manager of the Cluster Mobility & Logistics, participated in a workshop on “Manufacturing Vehicles, Developing Algorithms, Selling Mobility Services?” The focus here was on the transformation of the automotive industry, new digital value chains, and the use of hydrogen as a future technology. Discussions centered in particular on the transition from traditional production processes to software- and data-driven mobility solutions, as well as the role of H₂ propulsion systems and storage technologies for heavy-duty and logistics applications.
The annual conference demonstrated that regional strength, networking, and an innovation policy open to all technologies remain key success factors for the transformation of industry and mobility. Through contributions in workshops and numerous discussions on the exhibition floor, the Cluster Mobility & Logistics was able to provide valuable impetus and establish new contacts.