Innovation talk with VDMA Startup-Machine

What mechanical engineering companies can do today to implement innovations faster

Reading time: 5 min

A conversation about real challenges, functioning structures – and why it takes more than just good ideas

Many companies in the mechanical engineering sector know exactly where they want to go: smart products, digital services, new business models. The roadmaps are full, the ideas are there.

But there is little room to implement them in day-to-day business. The balancing act between cost pressure, a shortage of skilled workers, internal processes and new requirements means that innovation projects are wanted – but often not realized.

How can this be changed without creating additional stress for the teams?

We talk to Max from VDMA Startup-Machine about precisely this question.

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When willingness to innovate fails due to structures

The will to change is palpable in the industry.

Many mechanical engineering companies are actively looking for new technologies – especially in niches in which specialized start-ups offer convincing solutions.

“There is a real interest in collaboration – but there is often a lack of structures and time,”

says Max in the video.

As part of our collaboration with VDMA Startup-Machine, we support precisely such companies – with a clear goal: to enable innovation without unnecessarily complicating processes.

Structure instead of buzzwords

We hear the same pattern in many conversations with industrial companies:

Ideas are there, but there is a lack of time and resources to implement them systematically.

What helps then is not more brainstorming, but an approach that is tangible:

  • Clear definition of technical requirements
  • Targeted selection of relevant start-ups
  • Support right through to a functioning prototype
  • Integration into day-to-day business – instead of innovation initiatives running alongside it

“Companies don’t want complexity – they want decisions to be made and solutions to be implemented.”

Use cases instead of use case showreels

The results show that it works – if you set it up correctly: from health monitoring for drivers at Daimler Truck to the Smart Parking & Urban Hub project with APCOA – over 25 specific projects have been implemented in the last three years.

Always with a clear focus: innovation must ease the burden, not add to it.

An image from the conversation aptly describes this:

“When you’re driving towards a mountain, you have to accelerate – not brake.”

Especially in difficult economic times, it becomes clear how crucial it is not only to discuss technological development – but also to actually drive it forward. Efficient, focused, with clear benefits.

For mechanical engineering. And beyond.

The cooperation with VDMA Startup-Machine is deliberately aimed at mechanical and plant engineering.

At the same time, it is clear that our work at prototype.club is open to all sectors.

We support companies from a wide range of industries in solving technological challenges through targeted collaboration with startups.

Because whether production, energy, mobility or digitalization – the basic question remains the same:

How can innovation be implemented quickly, concretely and effectively?

Innovation talk – what you can expect in the video

For all those who work in the innovation environment of mechanical and plant engineering, the talk provides

  • Insights into typical hurdles – and how to overcome them
  • Examples of successful projects from practice
  • Why venture clienting is a real efficiency lever today
  • And how the combination of platform (VDMA) and operational implementation (prototype.club) works

Conclusion

Innovation in mechanical engineering must not be an extra project.

It must be integrated, structured and solution-oriented – especially when resources are scarce.

The cooperation with VDMA Startup-Machine is an example of how this can be achieved.

And even if this framework is specifically tailored to mechanical engineering, the principles apply far beyond that.

Find out more about our cooperation

Jessica Wrobel

AUTHOR

Jessica Wrobel

Creative mind with a passion for relevant and good content

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