CSU Economic Working Group visits the SKZ
On Wednesday, September 11, 2024, the CSU working group on economic affairs of the CSU parliamentary group in the Bavarian state parliament visited the SKZ Plastics Center in Würzburg as part of its closed-door meeting. During the visit, the politicians learned about the special features of the versatile material plastic, the progress of the transformation towards a circular economy in Bavaria, Germany and worldwide, and the current technical and economic challenges.
The CSU Economic Working Group of the CSU parliamentary group in the Bavarian state parliament visited SKZ (from left to right): Josef Schmid, Benjamin Miskowitsch, Kerstin Schreyer ( Chair), MdL Walter Nussel (Vice-Chair), MdL Dr. Andrea Behr, MdL Jenny Schack, MdL Dr. Stefan Ebner, MdL Steffen Vogel and SKZ Managing Director Dr. Thomas Hochrein. (Photo: René Bauer, SKZ)
Focus on the versatile material plastic
During the visit, the important role of the SKZ as a pioneer, bridge-builder and accelerator for companies was demonstrated by many examples, in which the results of research findings were transferred into industrial practice. The topic of sustainability was also discussed: “The goal is environmentally neutral plastic use with closed cycles, as is also the aim with CO2 neutrality. Incidentally, the SKZ would like to achieve this by the middle of this decade,” said SKZ Managing Director Dr. Thomas Hochrein, who represented SKZ Chairman Prof. Dr.-Ing.
Hochrein praised the commitment of the Free State in recent years.
In all of this, the human factor must not be forgotten, Hochrein continued: “After all, the best solutions and technologies are of no use if the knowledge does not reach the people - this is particularly evident in times of a shortage of skilled workers.” The SKZ transfers this knowledge to over 13,000 participants per year and works together with many research institutions, educational institutions, employment agencies and schools. Hochrein also praised the commitment of the Free State of Bavaria in recent years: “The massive support for the model factory and the training center in Würzburg, as well as for the expansion of the European Center for Dispersion Technologies in Selb, are important milestones.” During a tour of the SKZ's pilot plants and laboratories, the progress made in innovative plastics applications and 3D printing was vividly and tangibly demonstrated with specific application examples.
SKZ impresses with its extensive range of services and activities
Kerstin Schreyer, Member of the Bavarian Parliament and Chairwoman of the Economic Working Group, was impressed by the extensive range of services and activities offered by the SKZ: “The SKZ is a wonderful example of the goal of our economic policy of maintaining and constantly developing the conditions for our Bavarian business location at a high level.” Dr. Andrea Behr, MdL, Würzburg, adds: “With the research location Würzburg, the SKZ is a highly valued partner that makes an extremely important contribution to strengthening our efficient medium-sized businesses in Bavaria. This also ensures that Bavaria maintains its leading economic position in Germany and internationally.”
Challenges arising from changes in the funding and innovation landscape
The current changes in the funding and innovation landscape in Germany were also discussed, the challenges of which are having a massive impact on the SKZ itself, but also on many industrial companies, especially small and medium-sized ones. Here, it is also important for the SKZ to find suitable ways to finance its non-profit activities in a sustainable and plannable manner. The aspect of increasing bureaucratization and slowing down of decisions, as well as the need for solutions, were also discussed.
