ERFURT – Another important support service for Thuringian companies in the automotive and supplier industries was launched today, Friday, November 15, 2024: The fifth QTI hub was opened in Rohr (Schmalkalden-Meiningen district). These facilities, of which four others already exist in Gotha, Eisenach, Sömmerda, and Weberstedt, are decentralized exchange platforms and contact points for companies in the sector. The name QTI refers to the core themes of qualification, transfer, and innovation. The QTI hubs are supported by the regional transformation network ANeTT (Automotive Network Transformation Thuringia), which assists small and medium-sized enterprises in mastering the major challenges in the areas of demographics, decarbonization, and digitalization. This initiative is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action. ANeTT is based on the concrete project work of a consortium consisting of the Thuringian State Development Corporation (LEG), the Erfurt Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK), and the Thuringian Innovation Center for Mobility (ThIMo) at the Ilmenau University of Technology. The actual work in the respective QTI nodes is carried out by regional partners; in Rohr, this is the local Vocational Training and Technology Center (BTZ)
“The QTI nodes are specifically designed to highlight the crucial regional component of economic development,” said Andreas Krey, Managing Director of LEG Thüringen. “Here in Rohr, as at the other locations, we are strategically connecting representatives of local businesses, policymakers, chambers of commerce, universities, and municipal economic development agencies.” The decentralized approach, with its regionally located yet well-connected QTI nodes in the districts, does not mean that district or state borders present barriers. Quite the opposite: Strong local and regional networks are essential for supra-regional visibility. This is demonstrated by the constructive relationships with regional transformation networks in other German states, namely Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and Hesse, which Thuringia has established and actively maintains with its partners.
A glance at the list of participants at today's opening event demonstrates the broad acceptance of the project. Representatives from small and medium-sized enterprises as well as large companies in the automotive and supplier industries, local and state politics, universities, vocational training institutions, and employment agencies came together today. These partners have already developed a vibrant dialogue in the region over the past few years, which forms a foundation for future work within the QTI hub.
Greetings were offered by Peggy Greiser, District Administrator of the Schmalkalden-Meiningen district, and Mike Kämmer, President of the South Thuringian Chamber of Skilled Crafts. The event also included a panel discussion with representatives from business, science, and politics. Participants included Thomas Müller from the Thuringian Ministry of Economic Affairs, Tobias Wätzel, hydrogen expert at Boreas GmbH, and Frank Zinkann, former CFO of Opel. The discussion focused on the specific services offered by the QTI hub to companies in the region, with a particular emphasis on skills development.
This area is managed and coordinated by the consortium partner, the Erfurt Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK Erfurt); a positive conclusion was drawn for the existing QTI nodes during today's opening event. "Our first pilot courses on the topics of 'Vehicle Components' and 'Industry 4.0/Digital Transformation' have started. We were very pleased with the positive feedback from the participants, and we've even gained additional participants through referrals," reported Michael Schemann from the Erfurt Chamber of Industry and Commerce, who coordinates the conception and implementation of the pilot courses. "Overall, the measures are very well received, and companies recognize the added value for themselves," he added. "Among other things, starting in January, we will be offering a free course to become a specialist in hydrogen applications as part of ANeTT. There is already great interest in this from industrial companies, utilities, and local authorities."
The “ANeTT” project (Automotive Network Transformation Thuringia) for the transformation of the automotive and supplier industry in Thuringia is funded with a total sum of approximately 1.6 million euros from the “Future Fund Automotive Industry” by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection.
Further information about the project and the services offered by ANeTT can be found on the ANeTT project website: www.anett-thueringen.de.
