Compared to other countries such as China or India, Germany is lagging behind in terms of digitalization. Nevertheless, there are many innovative projects in the industry that are driving forward topics such as AI and platforms. 

A high degree of digitalisation, artificial intelligence, sharing approaches, platforms and cross-company data streams are keeping the next generation of logistics busy. On Tuesday, a panel discussion organised by the German Transport Forum (DVF), moderated by Matthias Rathmann, addressed the question of what contribution digitalisation, AI and platforms are currently making. 

‘If you look at the development in the global markets and the speed at which digitalisation is being driven forward, particularly in China, India and the USA, we are not competitive in Germany today,’ criticises Karsten Keil, Member of the Management Board Vice President Group IT & Digitisation at the Schnellecke Group, and demands: ’We have to really step on the gas again and get ahead. We have the potential, we have highly trained people and companies are willing to invest - we have to make something of it.’  (...)

‘We urgently need to shift into sixth gear,’ says Tobias Jerschke, Chairman of the Management Board at Kühne + Nagel and member of the DVF Executive Committee, with a view to the level of digitalisation in Asia. ‘Nevertheless, we don't need to hide. Germany is still the second most innovative country in the world with 30,000 patents last year.’  (...)