Dr Jochen Köckler, Chairman of the Managing Board of Deutsche Messe AG, addressed the global media during the HANNOVER MESSE Preview.

Hannover, February 19, 2025 – Competition among the leading industrial nations is intensifying, while breakthrough technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) offer unprecedented opportunities for rapid productivity gains. Companies must urgently integrate these technological innovations and strategically reposition themselves, while at the same time the current geopolitical realities demand decisive political action. Against this backdrop, a visit to HANNOVER MESSE is becoming a crucial success factor.

"Never before has attending HANNOVER MESSE been so vital to securing competitive advantage," said Dr Jochen Köckler, Chairman of the Managing Board of Deutsche Messe AG. "At a time of profound economic challenges to industry, HANNOVER MESSE delivers decisive momentum: here, global visitors discover which technologies will future-proof their success and how to integrate them into their processes without delay." Dr Jochen Köckler, was speaking at the HANNOVER MESSE Preview, with over 100 global media persons in attendance.

Addressing geopolitical dynamics, Köckler says: "The talk in recent months has frequently been of geopolitical uncertainties. However, since the inauguration of the new US president, among other things, this uncertainty has transformed into harsh clarity, with the USA doubling down on its 'America First' agenda while China massively bolsters and steers its industrial sector."

For Europe and partners like Canada – the official partner at HANNOVER MESSE 2025 – it is time to close ranks more tightly and resolutely advance a cohesive geoeconomic strategy.

"At HANNOVER MESSE, uncertainty transforms into confidence – in both technological and political terms," concludes Köckler.

Around 4,000 companies from the general engineering, electrical, and digital industries, as well as the energy sector, will be showcasing solutions for the production and energy supply of the future at the event, with real-world application examples and artificial intelligence taking center stage.

Global tech heavyweights such as Amazon Web Services, Bosch, Google, Microsoft, Schneider Electric, and Siemens will exhibit alongside mid-sized technology leaders such as Beckhoff, Festo, Harting, ifm, LAPP, Phoenix Contact, Rittal, Schaeffler and SEW-EURODRIVE. Renowned research institutions like the Fraunhofer and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) will outline next-generation industrial solutions, while over 300 startups from different technological fields unveil innovations with disruptive potential.

"The past few months have seen a lot of talk about geopolitical uncertainties. But my observation today is a different one: The recent Munich Security Conference exposed harsh realities," emphasized Köckler. "The US made it abundantly clear that it will be rigorously pursuing its 'America First' policy. At the same time, it is obvious that the Chinese government is massively bolstering the country's industry and steering its economic course in a targeted manner."

This is an unambiguous signal for Europe and its partners in the global community: "Now is the time to close ranks even more tightly, and to develop and resolutely implement a cohesive geoeconomic strategy."

HANNOVER MESSE will play a decisive role in this context as well: "In the years ahead, the event will gain in importance, both as a technological innovation platform for European industry and its partners, as well as a driving force toward stronger international cooperation."

With the current political situation in Germany in mind, Köckler emphasizes: "We cannot afford a leadership vacuum. Regardless of the outcome of the German parliamentary election on 23 February and whether we already have a new government or acting officials in office at the opening of HANNOVER MESSE – whoever bears political responsibility for Germany as a major economic hub must visit HANNOVER MESSE."