Swedish industry meets the aeronautics of the future - Smart transition in Bavaria 

Swedish industry meets the aeronautics of the future - Smart transition in Bavaria 

To meet future demands for sustainability, digitization and global competitiveness, Swedish industry needs to think new - and act together. As part of the Smart Transition project, Innovatum Science Park organized a study trip to Bavaria in October 2025, where participants from the Swedish manufacturing industry got to experience how some of Europe's most innovative players are driving developments in aerospace technology. It was three days filled with inspiration, knowledge exchange and new business opportunities. The result? New insights, valuable contacts and concrete ideas for the industrial transformation of the future. 

The trip was organized in collaboration with Aerospace Cluster Sweden (ACS), GKN Aerospace and University West, and targeted companies in Västra Götaland and Halland - with the aim of strengthening the region's manufacturing industry through international collaboration and technical excellence. 

Cutting-edge technology - straight from the source 

The trip took participants to the heart of the German aerospace industry - a region where research, industry and innovation work together in a way that creates real change. Through visits to universities, research institutes and companies, participants saw how the future of production is shaped in practice. 

Among the highlights of the trip: 

• AIRTEC 2025 in Munich - an international trade fair focusing on aerospace industry developments, including B2B matchmaking. 

• Universität Augsburg and AI Production Network - where digital twins and generative design are tested in practice. 

• Fraunhofer IGCV - with cutting-edge expertise in additive manufacturing, multimaterials and purity technologies. 

• DLR Center for Lightweight Production Technology - focusing on thermoplastic composites and adaptive manufacturing. 

• MTU Aero Engines - a key player in aircraft engine component manufacturing. 

New contacts and new insights 

Participants came from companies such as Diab, GKN Aerospace Sweden, Brogren Industries AB, Tooltec, ACS and Total Controls - all with a common goal: to develop and change the industry. 

"It was inspiring to see how far German actors have come in combining sustainability with technological excellence - it gives us new ideas for our own transition." - Anders Svensson, Diab 

"As an entrepreneur, you rarely visit research environments - this was both useful and eye-opening." - Claes Haraldsson, Tooltec 

The trip not only provided new contacts and collaborations, but also concrete insights to take home to Swedish industry. By meeting researchers, engineers and business developers on site, an understanding was created of how technology, sustainability and business benefits can go hand in hand. 

Smart transition - more than technology 

The Smart Transition project is run by Innovatum Science Park with funding from the European Union, and with support from Region Västra Götaland and Region Halland. The aim is to increase the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises by promoting innovation, collaboration and sustainable development. 

The study trip to Bavaria is a clear example of how the project is putting these goals into practice - by creating meetings that lead to new ideas, new collaborations and new ways forward. It is also proof that Innovatum Science Park is a strong player in industrial transformation, with the ability to connect research, technology and business development - both locally and internationally. 

Do you want to be part of the next journey, or learn more about how Smart Transition can strengthen your business? Contact us at Innovatum Science Park - together we are shaping the industry of the future.