Support mechanisms to facilitate a sustainable transition were highlighted during the 2023 Smart Manufacturing Week organised by Luxinnovation from 6 to 9 June 2023.
Manufacturers that want to remain competitive in the coming decades need to take decisive action today regarding sustainability. These concrete actions that businesses can implement, in addition to several support mechanisms in place to facilitate a sustainable transition, are highlighted during the 2023 Smart Manufacturing Week organised by Luxinnovation from 6 to 9 June 2023.
Key decision-makers, business leaders and experts convene at various levels to explore best practices that can reinforce the sustainable transition of the manufacturing industry in Luxembourg.
We will use our digital capacity and AI preparedness to ensure that our manufacturing sector is greener and smarter.
Making manufacturing carbon-neutral through digitalisation
During the opening of the conference at Luxexpo the Box, Minister of the Economy Franz Fayot highlighted the rapid development of Luxembourg’s digital infrastructure, which has been enhanced with state-of-the-art data centres, and the high-performance supercomputer that is easily accessible to businesses.
He also insisted on the rapid development of the country’s cybersecurity and cloud capacity. “We are among the 20% of countries worldwide that are prepared for the industrial revolution in artificial intelligence. We will use our digital capacity and AI preparedness to ensure that our manufacturing sector is greener and smarter, because it is one thing to be digital and have an AI capacity, but it is quite another to put that capacity to use.”
Using the example of Luxembourg’s industrial steel heritage, where the production of steel from locally and regionally sourced scraps was initiated, Minister Fayot demonstrated the importance of the manufacturing sector in laying the groundwork for a sustainable and competitive economy in Luxembourg. He stressed the potential of developing “green valleys” in Luxembourg, noting that this plan is highly aligned with the EU Net-Zero Industry Act, which aims to stimulate clean technology manufacturing.
More R&D support for companies to reach their goals
In line with the commitment to support companies in the journey towards sustainability, the Minister announced plans for a new law bill that will reinforce R&D grant schemes by the end of the summer to help strengthen the sustainability agenda. “We plan to enhance the intensity of aid schemes for businesses that come with ideas on implementing sustainability, but also use fiscal and tax measures as incentives. In the last tripartite agreement, we decided to introduce new tax grants that also go towards greening and promoting renewable energy and environmentally friendly investments,” he underlined.
An evolving global manufacturing landscape
Klaus Beetz, CEO, EIT Manufacturing, an innovation community for European manufacturers, pointed out global trends in manufacturing and the need for Europe to reinforce its investments in innovation. “It is important for securing the future of manufacturing,” Mr Beetz stated. “Manufacturing is still at the core of prosperity and growth here in Europe. We have more than 2 million enterprises active in manufacturing in Europe and employing more than 32 million European citizens.” he explained.
The effects of COVID and the war in Ukraine, supply chain disruptions, the energy crisis and high gas prices, financial uncertainty linked to high inflation and interest rates were all highlighted as both challenges and opportunities for growth during the conference.
Simultaneously, the importance of scaling up the adoption of new technologies, employing highly skilled workers in factories, and redesigning manufacturing to integrate the sustainability dimension in all production processes was emphasised.
Every decision that we don’t make is going to cost a fortune. And as business leaders, as politicians, we have a tremendous impact on the future.
Operational costs and change in mindset
René Winkin, Director of the Luxembourg industry federation FEDIL engaged the audience using a live poll to appraise Luxembourg’s readiness for a sustainable transition.
While many attendees cited a shift in mindset toward sustainability as a key requirement for the sustainable transition, the director emphasised that operational costs are critical for most businesses and will be the real measure of industry’s readiness to become more sustainable.
Regarding other concerns listed on the survey, such as capital expenditure, technical and infrastructure readiness, and supply chain challenges, Mr Winkin expressed that “solutions are available, and uncertainties are quite low.” And while a change in mindset toward a sustainable transition is important, companies generally have a positive attitude towards the transition in Luxembourg.
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