VDMA urges EU policymakers to boost its robotics competitiveness

Europe is currently the most automated region in the world, according to the IFR. | Source: Stäubli

Today, VDMA Robotics + Automation issued a call to action to stem the loss of global competitiveness in European economies in robotics and automation. The networking organization for the European robotics industry issued a “Robotics Action Plan for Europe” addressed to policymakers across Europe, including national governments and European Union institutions. 

“Europe’s industries are falling behind in international competitiveness and urgently need to catch up,” says Dr. Dietmar Ley, Chairman of VDMA Robotics + Automation. “China, for example, has consistently shifted its focus to advanced technology and high-value manufacturing. The country’s drive for automation has seen its robot density double in four years to 470 robots per 10,000 workers. This is twice the European Union figure of just 219. Robotics and automation is the key enabling technology for the future growth of economies by increasing productivity, driving innovation, and creating new opportunities.”

According to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), the EU has a robot density of 219 units per 10,000 workers. Germany, Sweden, Denmark, and Slovenia are all in the world’s top ten. This means that, by region, the EU has the highest robot density, it’s also increased 5.2% from 2022. 

Germany is Europe’s most automated country, with 429 robots per 10,000 employees. This puts the country fourth worldwide, according to the IFR, still lagging behind Korea, Singapore, and China. 

Inside the VDMA’s recommendations

In the ten years from 2013 to 2023, the European share of annual industrial robot installations dropped from 24% to 17%. | Source: IFR

The VDMA laid out four key recommendations for EU policymakers. First, the organization said Europe needs a robotics boost. The continent is increasingly challenged by aggressive industrial policies in other countries – such as the United States’ America First agenda and China’s 5-Year-Plan for Robotics.

A robotics boost, VDMA said, will enable Europe to revamp competitiveness, safeguard its sovereignty, counteract demographic decline, and successfully manage the transition to carbon neutrality.

Second, the VDMA is calling for more venture capital for Europe’s startups. The organization said the EU needs to mobilize urgently needed additional venture capital. It can do this by updating the regulatory framework for institutional investors. For example, France’s Tibi Initiative has shown how capital can be successfully put to work for innovation – Europe should follow.

Third, the EU should set up a competition roadmap. This roadmap would allow it to benchmark Europe’s progress in robotics and AI against developments in Asia and North America and create concrete national and European-wide technology roadmaps.

Finally, the VDMA encourages the EU to focus on economies of scale. Europe boasts a fascinating research and innovation landscape and great ideas are constantly born. However, success must ultimately be measured in bringing ideas to market at scale.

“We have no time to lose: Our new strategy paper is a call to policymakers across Europe to set the course on how to use robotics and automation to make Europe more competitive and resilient. Let us get to work now,” said Dr. Dietmar Ley.

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