At the 2026 Lean Digital Innovation Conference and Lean Digital Transformation Innovation Ecosystem Expo, held from September 5-7 at the Tianjin National Convention and Exhibition Center, Dr. O.S. Ganiyusufoglu, a member of the German National Academy of Science and Engineering, delivered a keynote address on the evolving dynamics of global manufacturing and bilateral cooperation. Having observed China's industrial transformation firsthand over the past two decades, he remarked on the nation's comprehensive progress across multiple sectors, highlighting the strategic importance of merging artificial intelligence with robotics. He noted that this convergence can substantially boost manufacturing output, unlock growth potential for numerous small and mid-sized enterprises, and offset labor shortages stemming from demographic shifts while addressing gaps in public services and production operations.
Dr. Ganiyusufoglu pointed to China's well-defined industrial goals as a key enabler for scaling humanoid robotics and AI applications, with notable results already achieved in practical adoption. He traced the evolution of industry through five prior waves of innovation—water power, steam, electricity, petrochemicals, and digital networks—and placed the current epoch as the sixth wave driven by AI, the Internet of Things, robotics, and clean energy. Looking ahead, he predicted a seventh wave centered on frontier areas such as nanotechnology, quantum computing, biological manufacturing, advanced intelligent materials, and human-centric automation.
On the topic of international collaboration, the academician was unequivocal: Chinese and German industries are highly complementary rather than competitive. He noted that Germany brings deep expertise in mechanical engineering, automotive manufacturing, chemical and environmental technologies, along with a robust vocational education and training system. Meanwhile, China excels in information and communications technology, AI, and the digital economy, where it benefits from rapid iteration cycles. He asserted that China currently possesses the most advanced digital economy in the world.
Combining Germany's industrial heritage with China's innovation velocity, he argued, creates a powerful synergy that leads to mutual gains and win-win outcomes. To map out future cooperation pathways, Dr. Ganiyusufoglu proposed a range of actionable measures, including joint academic symposia between universities in both nations, collaborative research and development projects, industry-academia innovation partnerships, and tailored corporate-level cooperation programs. These initiatives, he suggested, would bridge the gap between research, education, production, and application, fostering a seamless ecosystem.
Concluding his remarks, he emphasized that the future hinges on collaboration, describing China and Germany as a "golden partnership." He expressed firm conviction that cooperation yields results where one plus one equals three, not two. By working together, the two countries can not only advance their own industrial upgrades but also empower more developing nations to embrace a future shaped by intelligent and digital transformation.
It is worth noting that all conference transcripts were compiled from on-site shorthand notes and have not been reviewed by the speakers. This article is republished for informational purposes and does not necessarily reflect the views of the original source or confirm the accuracy of its statements.