Wienerberger AG

Expert discussion organized by the Federation of Austrian Industries in Brussels - Seite 2

Reinhold Steiner, CSO of RHI Magnesita, also regards international competitiveness as the most crucial issue for industry in Europe. In his opinion, there is one essential question to be addressed by Europe. "Do we want to create industrial value in Europe, or should we rely on imports of indispensable products - above all from China?" Referring to the example of the refractory industry, Reinhold Steiner expressed his concern about the entire European high-temperature industry ending up in long-term, strategic dependence on non-European players. In his opinion, the refractory industry will be faced with serious challenges, if Europe fails to consider the global implications of any new initiative. "The European Commission is currently working on rules for the allocation of CO2 certificates. Unless all aspects are taken into account, the European refractory industry is at risk of suffering collateral damage from the European CO2 trading regime. Despite a strong innovation agenda, we are bound by the fundamental laws of nature, which, by definition, do not permit a reduction of natural, geogenic process emissions", adds Reinhold Steiner.

Global challenges demand enormous additional efforts
For Barbara Kappel, Member of the European Parliament, it is imperative for the European Union and for companies to be prepared for Industry 4.0. "The fourth industrial revolution is a global challenge. We will succeed in developing business models and technologies which protect the privacy of individuals and ensure the security of data in general. Smart human-to-machine or machine-to-machine networking will be the core element of tomorrow's economy. This is the only way to realize new potential for the creation of added value."
Europe needs to do more to strengthen its industrial base, notes Wolfgang Burtscher, Deputy Director General of DG Research and Innovation: "Europe has an excellent research and innovation landscape, and our strong European industry is in the lead in many areas. To make up for current deficits in innovation and, above all, to make full use of the new opportunities offered by the next wave of innovation through digitalization and artificial intelligence, companies, public authorities and legislators will have to massively step up their efforts."