GENERAL NEWS
Global machine tool projections
The European Association for Manufacturing Technologies ( CECIMO ) successfully concluded its Autumn plenary meeting , the CECIMO Brussels Forum , from 6-7 December 2023 . Over two dynamic days , around 100 participants took part in an insightful programme of in-depth discussions led by industry specialists and policymakers . The event was sponsored by Fagor Automation , BI-MU and Deloitte .
Innovation and sustainability
Markus Schulte , Head of Cabinet to Iliana Ivanova , European Commissioner for Innovation , Research , Culture , Education and Youth at the European Commission , opened the Forum by highlighting the critical role of manufacturing , and the machine tool sector in particular , in the European economy .
In his Keynote speech , Schulte pointed out that ‘’ the European manufacturing industry is at the centre of the green transition and represents an indispensable component for a sustainable and resilient future of this sector . I think that the machinery industry has an indispensable role to play , acting as the backbone of manufacturing and bringing innovations in human-centric manufacturing technologies , data eco-systems and new technologies for circularity .’’
The Forum brought together experts to discuss innovative manufacturing , technology , the current state of the industry and skills development through two comprehensive panel discussions , underlining the event ’ s commitment to advancing knowledge and collaboration in the manufacturing sector . The
Top and below : CECIMO Brussels Forum ( 6-7 December 2023 ).
panel discussions highlighted the importance of strategic initiatives , and the EU ’ s pivotal role in global leadership . A focal point was the urgent need for future skills , addressing the gap between industry needs and current workforce skills . The discussions also focused on the role of data in guiding a sustainable transition towards a more technologically advanced manufacturing landscape .
The CECIMO Brussels Forum also inaugurated the Machine Tools Innovation ( MTI ) Awards . Kerstin Jorna , Director General of the European Commission ’ s Directorate- General for the Internal Market , Industry , Entrepreneurship and SMEs officially opened the ceremony .
The winner of the 2023 MTI Awards was
Aldakin Automation S . L ., represented by Ibai Inziarte , for its project on “ Eliminating human exposure to potentially carcinogenic dust and increasing robot performance in the machining of composite parts ”.
Economic situation and outlook
In addition to policy discussions , the second day was dedicated to exploring the economic situation and outlook for the sector . In that context , despite the current unfavourable business climate indicators , CECIMO still anticipates a positive output growth in 2023 but remains cautious about 2024 figures .
“ The negative impact of monetary tightening and rising interest rates is affecting investment in capital goods and global demand , while geopolitical shifts at the global level are increasing uncertainty ,” it said .
“ As highlighted during the Economic Committee meeting , the European Commission ’ s latest forecasts predict GDP growth of 0.6 % in 2023 for both the EU and the euro area . Looking ahead to 2024 , growth is expected to pick up slightly , with EU GDP forecast to grow by 1.3 % next year , slightly lower compared to forecasts published earlier this
Left : Marcus Burton ,
Chairman , CECIMO Economic Committee .
6 | ismr . net | ISMR December 2023 / January 2024