Fraunhofer IFF's Elbfabrik was envisaged as a beacon for digitalization in Saxony-Anhalt and beyond from its early planning stages in 2001. Before there was any talk about Industrie 4.0 and Digitalization the concepts for the Elbfabrik reflected the vision of a highly connected and data-oriented production and manufacturing environment. The promotion of this approach was especially important in the federal state of Saxony-Anhalt to support the ongoing structural change and modernization of the economy after the German reunification. This was also recognized by the European Commission, awarding it the Regional Innovation Award in 2004.
The promotion of digitalization and artificial intelligence among SME through applied oriented research cooperation is at the center of the institute’s efforts. To this end, the Elbfabrik acts as a central hub in a regional network of stakeholders bringing together companies, industrial associations, academic and research actors as well as the policy level. The Elbfabrik actively supports various ongoing initiatives for promoting digitalization of regional enterprises.