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Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
Turkish manufacturing companies can now take a concrete next step toward deeper cooperation with Fraunhofer in applied R&D, industrial digitalization and data-driven value creation. Today, the Fraunhofer Institute of Optronics, System Technologies and Image Exploitation IOSB – part of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, one of the world’s leading organizations for applied research – and partners publish the white paper “Turkish German Digital Technology Exchange: R&D Cooperation in Manufacturing Engineering and Manufacturing Related Information & Communication Technology.”
The white paper provides a practical framework for rapid, measurable results: standardized data exchange, interoperable data spaces, and structured innovation clusters that translate research into scalable industrial solutions. The initiative was launched jointly with partners IIB e.V., ENOSAD, MEDIPOL University (Istanbul) and Fraunhofer IPA.
A key milestone is the opening of an IIB e.V. Innovation Center in Istanbul on 24 March 2026, designed as a nucleus for joint Turkish–German cooperation projects in industrial digitalization and manufacturing engineering. The center will serve as an operational platform for pilot projects, joint development, and industrial validation – especially for companies aiming to strengthen productivity, resilience and compliance with emerging requirements such as Digital Product Passports and EU-aligned circular-economy practices.
“For Turkish industrial companies, this partnership is about more than technology transfer. It is about jointly developing industrial solutions, standards and digital infrastructures that are ready for scale. By combining Fraunhofer’s applied research expertise with Türkiye’s strong manufacturing base, we create tangible innovation pathways that strengthen competitiveness, resilience and long‑term integration into European value chains.” (Dr. Olaf Sauer, deputy institute director, business unit Automation and Digitalization, Fraunhofer IOSB)
What the white paper recommends – and why it matters for Turkish industry
The white paper outlines a concrete bilateral program and an implementation path focused on manufacturing and manufacturing-related ICT. Key levers include:
- A structured bilateral R&D funding program (2+2 model) to co-fund joint projects between companies and research organizations in both countries.
- Standardized, cross-border data exchange via interoperable data spaces and industry standards (e.g., for digital twins and secure data sharing).
- Innovation clusters and regional transfer centers that link industry, universities and applied research for fast pilots and scaling.
- Talent and capability building in AI, machine learning and industrial digitalization – especially to support SMEs in overcoming expertise and cost barriers.
Overall, the white paper’s central message is clear: a deeper Turkish–German collaboration in R&D, digitalization, Industry 4.0 and AI offers substantial mutual gains – including accelerated modernization and reduced import dependence for Türkiye, as well as reinforced value chains and nearshoring access for Germany.
Start your cooperation with Fraunhofer now
Turkish companies that want to modernize manufacturing, implement interoperable data exchange, and build scalable Industry 4.0 and AI solutions are invited to engage now.
Contact our partner IIB: Recep Tanrikulu, +49 1523 6640883 (telephone enquiries) or Karlheinz Schmidt, ks@iib-enterprises.eu (written enquiries)
Download the white paper (pdf): Turkish‑German Digital Technology Exchange: R&D Cooperation in Manufacturing Engineering and Manufacturing-Related Information & Communication Technology – https://doi.org/10.24406/publica-7337
Dr. Olaf Sauer | Fraunhofer IOSB | olaf.sauer@iosb.fraunhofer.de | +49 721 6091-477
Press contact:
Ulrich Pontes | Pressesprecher Fraunhofer IOSB | presse@iosb.fraunhofer.de | +49 721 6091-301
Turkish‑German Digital Technology Exchange: R&D Cooperation in Manufacturing Engineering and Manufacturing-Related Information & Communication Technology – https://doi.org/10.24406/publica-7337
Cover page of the white paper
Copyright: Fraunhofer IOSB
Industry 4.0: Cover image of the white paper
Copyright: Fraunhofer IOSB
Criteria of this press release:
Business and commerce, Journalists
Information technology, Mechanical engineering
transregional, national
Cooperation agreements, Transfer of Science or Research
English
Cover page of the white paper
Copyright: Fraunhofer IOSB
Industry 4.0: Cover image of the white paper
Copyright: Fraunhofer IOSB
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