In 2012, Germany launched the concept of "Industry 4.0" in its manufacturing sector¹. Three years later, a similar Chinese initiative, or the "Made in China 2025," debuted².

 

2012年德国在制造业发起了“工业4.0”的概念。三年后，中国提出一个类似的计划“中国制造2025”。
 

 

Both countries are among the world's leading manufacturing powerhouses.

 

INDUSTRY 4.0 & MADE IN CHINA 2025

 

The heart of the "Industry 4.0" idea is intelligent manufacturing. In the German context, it means using the Internet to connect small and medium-sized companies in a more efficient way in global production and innovation networks.

 

"Made in China 2025" is the first ten-year action plan designed to transform China from a manufacturing giant that relies on low-cost labor³ into a world manufacturing power. The plan is designed to increase national competitiveness and stimulate⁴ innovation rather than simply supporting a single industry.

 

During German Chancellor⁵ Angela Merkel's visit to China in 2015, the two sides pledged to bolster⁶ the connection between "Made in China 2025" and the German "Industry 4.0" strategy to promote entrepreneurship and innovation.

 

LINKING MANUFACTURERS

 

Cooperation in high end manufacturing and service industries are listed as the major focuses for future development.

 

In the Sino-German Industrial Services Zone in South China's Foshan city, many German businesses, including international trade fair organizer Hannover Messe, environmental company Remondis, as well as leading robot maker⁷ Kuka Robotics, have all settled into the new base.

 

At the same time, Chinese investors⁸ are gravitating toward Germany's "Industry 4.0" program through a series of acquisitions. In January, Midea, a Chinese household appliances manufacturer, completed a takeover of Kuka. It now controls 94.55% of Kuka's shares.

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