The two organizations will work together to promote the digital transformation of industry at international, national and regional levels

July 1, 2024, Vienna – Ciyong Zou, Deputy Director General and Managing Director of UNIDO, and Sebastian Schlund, Managing Director of Fraunhofer Austria Research GmbH, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the aim of promoting inclusive and sustainable industrial development worldwide. Digitalization and artificial intelligence, as well as the transfer of knowledge to developing and emerging countries, play a decisive role in increasing added value. The two organizations are guided in their activities by the shared vision of promoting sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all - as set out in the Goal 8 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

In order to achieve the Sustainbale Development Goals (SDGs), industrial development must not only be strengthened, but it must also be ensured that it has a positive impact on people and society. UNIDO's goal of creating shared prosperity, improving economic competitiveness while protecting the environment is in line with the vision defined by Fraunhofer Austria in its recently published position paper "Positive Impact Production".

"Regardless of whether we are talking about developing countries, countries with economies in transition or industrialized nations - the concept of Positive Impact Production brings benefits everywhere. Industrialized countries, for example, benefit from the energy flexibility which they can achieve through AI systems and they can use resources more responsibly and efficiently. For developing countries, AI is a path to economic growth. I am looking forward to working with UNIDO in transfering knowledge and spreading the concepts of a sustainable economy worldwide," says Prof. Dr. Sebastian Schlund, Managing Director of Fraunhofer Austria and Professor at TU Wien, on the occasion of the signing of the memorandum.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ciyong Zou, Deputy Director General and Managing Director of UNIDO, said, "Today's signing marks a significant milestone in our journey towards fostering a new level of cooperation with Fraunhofer. This partnership underscores the power of collaboration in driving digital transformation and advancing Industry 4.0 technologies across all regions. Together, we are committed to promoting inclusive and sustainable industrial development, ensuring that the benefits of technological innovation are felt globally, from industrialized nations to emerging economies."

UNIDO and Fraunhofer Austria are planning to perform joint research activities and studies on Industry 4.0 technologies, to organize joint events to convey knowledge about AI solutions in manufacturing, and to establish smart factories as learning spaces and test environments.