Unter dem Motto „Zusammen die Zukunft gestalten!“ verwandelte sich der Campus der Leibniz Universität Hannover Ende September in einen lebendigen Think Tank für Handwerk und Technologie. Knapp 130 Expertinnen und Experten aus Wirtschaft, Wissenschaft und Politik diskutierten drei Tage lang über die digitale Transformation des Handwerks.
The opening remarks by Thomas Gehre, President of the Hanover Chamber of Crafts, set the tone: ‘Innovation requires curious, open-minded and courageous people – that's exactly what sets our craft apart.’ Die BIT-Beraterinnen und Berater seien dabei entscheidende Impulsgeber, die technologische Entwicklungen für die betriebliche Praxis greifbar machen.
AI as a game changer for craft businesses
A key topic at the conference was the use of artificial intelligence in everyday craftsmanship. The practical examples presented showed how AI-supported solutions unlock new efficiency potential, from order planning to customer communication. ‘The possible applications are more diverse than many would assume.’, according to one participant's summary.
Networking creates visible results
At the accompanying expert forum, craft businesses and research institutions demonstrated successful collaborations. Particularly impressive was the project of a master hairdresser who developed filter systems for water protection from haircuts. Such innovations arise ‘through dialogue between the workbench and science,’ as one organiser emphasised.
The event proved once again that regular exchange between traditional craftsmanship and state-of-the-art technology is not a contradiction, but rather drives forward the sustainable future of the industry. The constructive atmosphere and numerous concrete approaches to cooperation allowed all participants to return to their daily work with new perspectives.
