With around 600 participants from politics, business, research, and regional development, the Annual Regional Policy Conference in Chemnitz in November 2025 provided a broad framework for exchange and networking. The event focused on the key future topics of structural change, transformation, and regional competitiveness. Uwe Pfeil and Steve Schumann participated on behalf of the Cluster Mobility & Logistics.
The morning session focused on political and economic impulses.
Minister President Michael Kretschmer emphasized the importance of resilient regions and rapid transformation processes, while Minister of Economic Affairs Katharina Reiche highlighted the role of innovation, energy prices, and location policy.
Economist Monika Schnitzer underscored that Germany must significantly accelerate the transfer of digital and AI-based technologies.
This was followed by best practice contributions from companies and a panel discussion on the future prospects of industry, energy, and mobility.
In the afternoon, the conference offered several workshops on various areas of transformation.
Keynote speech by the Cluster Mobility & Logistics
Uwe Pfeil, cluster manager of the Cluster Mobility & Logistics, gave a keynote speech on “Strengthening regional value creation – New Defense as a growth driver for industry and SMEs” and then discussed opportunities for suppliers, technologies, and dual-use innovations with the participants.
Steve Schumann, Project Manager of the Cluster Mobility & Logistics, took part 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 technology of the future. Discussions focused in particular on the transition from traditional production processes to software- and data-driven mobility solutions, as well as the role of H₂ drives and storage technologies for heavy-duty and logistics applications.
The annual conference showed that regional strength, networking, and technology-neutral innovation policy remain key success factors for the transformation of industry and mobility. With contributions in workshops and numerous discussions in the exhibition area, the Cluster Mobility & Logistics was able to provide valuable impetus and establish new contacts.