Transatlantic Cluster Insights | Volume 4 | July 2017
 Greetings!

The health care industry in both Germany and the US is characterized by vibrant incumbents, from disruptive start-ups to major corporations. The medical device and technology markets in particular are driven by constant innovation, which leads to an ever-changing landscape with ample opportunities in both countries.

In its third round, the Transatlantic Cluster Initiative will focus on Health Care & Medical Technology.  From July 24-28, you will have the opportunity to meet German cluster representatives in Minneapolis, MN, Nashville, TN and Fort Wayne, IN and to discuss key topics such as personalized medicine, digitalization in medical technology, and international collaboration opportunities. Register today!

Please make sure to also join the conversation on our interactive Transatlantic Cluster Platform on LinkedIn to stay up-to-date with our initiatives. 

Enjoy this issue of Transatlantic Cluster Insights.

Kind regards,

Jessica Ferklass
Manager, Consulting Services, GACC Midwest
Transatlantic Clusters in the News
  • "A positive ROI for regional innovation strategies", SSTI
    Read article
  • High-level mission to the US and cluster matchmaking event: opening research and innovation collaboration opportunities for European clusters and their members, European Cluster Collaboration Platform
    Learn more

  • "First German Cluster Week – A Review" (German only), 
    Clusterportal Baden-Württemberg
    Read article

  • "MAI Carbon: US-Delegation zu Gast beim Spitzencluster" (German only), Clusterplattform Deutschland
    Read article
MAI Carbon Intensifies International Cooperation

MAI Carbon is a Leading-Edge Cluster with more than 100 partners located in the Munich-Augsburg-Ingolstadt region in Germany. It is one of the leading international networks focusing on carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) and addresses three core sectors: Aerospace, Automotive and Plant Construction, as well as Mechanical Engineering.

Considerable success has been achieved by MAI Carbon, resulting in great innovation leaps and an increased knowledge on part of their partners. Nevertheless, the cluster has also identified some topics which they would like to tackle through international collaboration. In order to facilitate this, MAI Carbon initiated the transnational project "MAI iBIC" (International Bridges for Innovation in Carbon Composites). If you are a business or research leader who is interested in collaborating with MAI Carbon, please contact Mr. Sven Blanck, Head of International Affairs, Controlling & Development at [email protected].

Read more about MAI iBIC
Lightweighting Cluster – Shaping the Future Together

Both Germany and the US are leaders in the dynamic lightweighting sector, which aims to increase quality, competitiveness and resource-efficiency across industries.

This June, GACC Midwest brought together lightweighting experts from both sides of the Atlantic to share knowledge and discuss opportunities for cooperation. Nine US lightweighting professionals joined a study trip to Germany, exploring cutting-edge manufacturing innovations and gaining insights into the lightweighting research landscape in Germany.

German and US experts agreed, that the huge potential of the lightweighting sector offers a lot of opportunities for transatlantic cooperation. Germany and the US should especially collaborate to address challenges such as the recycling of carbon composites, the production costs of lightweight materials, as well as the energy demand for producing lightweight goods.

Read more
Upcoming Transatlantic Cluster Initiative Programs
  • Transatlantic Cluster Roadshow, July 24-28, 2017
    Industry Focus: Health Care & Medical Technology
    Register now for conferences in Minneapolis, MN, Nashville, TN & Fort Wayne, IN

  • Transatlantic Cluster Trip to Germany, October 16-20, 2017
    Industry Focus: Health Care & Medical Technology
     Explore cutting-edge industry trends in Germany. See detailed agenda. Apply by August 4 for early consideration. Final deadline: August 25, 2017. Apply here
What Participants Say
"I visited Germany as part of a Metalworking delegation from the Great Lakes region. It was motivating to meet a group of regional peers who are metalworking experts and enthusiasts. It was incredibly valuable for us to share and discuss our ideas and impressions with one another as we were exposed to German companies, concepts, and different ways of innovating.

Our travels in Germany brought us to a few different areas where there is a long tradition of metalworking in manufacturing. We connected with industry stakeholders to exchange knowledge and understandings of the metalworking craft, best practices, emerging trends, training models, workforce development initiatives, and also to discuss opportunities for international collaboration. 

This fantastic experience was made possible by the German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest, as part of their Transatlantic Cluster Initiative."

Melissa Menon, Talent/Community Engagement Manager, DARCO Manufacturing, Inc.
Supported By
 
Promotional Partners
U.S. Commercial Service supports the goals of this event, but does not endorse the specific products, or views of the participating organizations.
Jessica Ferklass | German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest, Inc.
Phone: 312-585-8344 | Fax: 312-644-0783 | [email protected] | www.gaccmidwest.org