VDMA Robotics + Automation, a networking organization for the robotics industry in Europe, has issued a call to action to stop the loss of global competitiveness of European economies.
“Europe's industries are falling behind in international competitiveness and urgently need to catch up,” said Dr. Dietmar Ley, chairman of VDMA Robotics + Automation (Figure 1). “China, for example, has consistently shifted its focus to advanced technology and high-value manufacturing. The country's drive for automation has seen its robot density double in four years to 470 robots per 10,000 workers. This is twice the European Union figure of just 219. Robotics and automation is the key enabling technology for the future growth of economies by increasing productivity, driving innovation and creating new opportunities.”
The Robotics Action Plan for Europe is addressed to policy makers across Europe, including national governments and EU institutions. Key recommendations of the paper include the following:
Europe needs a robotics boost — Europe is increasingly challenged by aggressive industrial policies in other countries, such as the United States’ America First agenda and China’s 5-Year-Plan for Robotics. A robotics boost will enable Europe to revamp competitiveness, safeguard its sovereignty, counteract demographic decline and successfully manage the transition to carbon neutrality.
More venture capital for Europe’s startups — Mobilize urgently needed additional venture capital by updating the regulatory framework for institutional investors. France’s Tibi Initiative has shown how capital can be successfully put to work for innovation. Europe should follow.
Set up competition roadmap — Benchmark Europe’s progress in robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) against developments in Asia and North America and create concrete national and European-wide technology roadmaps.
Focus on economies of scale — Europe boasts a fascinating research and innovation landscape, and great ideas are constantly born. However, success must ultimately be measured in bringing ideas to market at scale, as is demonstrated by China’s approach. Policymakers in Europe need to provide an environment that is not only conducive to innovation, but conducive to transferring innovation into mass production and wide adoption in Europe.
“We have no time to waste: Our new strategy paper is a call to policymakers across Europe to set the course on how to use robotics and automation to make Europe more competitive and resilient. Let us get to work now,” said Ley.
