Just as in the Baltic states, digitalization is one of the most important topics in the German economy. Companies prepare themselves for the future and they do so very successfully. According to the Federation of German Industries, Industry 4.0 applications are gaining significant importance. Three out of four companies will adapt their business models towards the implementation of new standards. 

 

Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are European figureheads and global forerunners when it comes to digitization. The Baltic countries are innovation labs for e-Government, IT security, Blockchain, and many more digital developments, which are likely to shape our world in the near and far future. Many institutions and companies are eager to learn from Baltic experiences and are keen on finding partners in fields such as e-Government, Cybersecurity and others.

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With a population of 18 million North Rhine-Westphalia is Germany´s most populous and economically strongest federal state. The Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region, home to major cities, such as Dortmund, Cologne, Düsseldorf and Bonn forms one of Europe´s largest and most dynamic urban areas. Traditionally known for its coal and steel industries, NRW has undergone a remarkable transformation. Today it is emerging as one of Germanys leading hubs for IT and cybersecurity, offering a unique intersection between traditional industries and the dynamic digital economy – an ideal environment for innovative projects and partnerships. As the first federal state of Germany to publish a dedicated cybersecurity strategy with several cities ranked among the top 10 smartest cities nationwide, NRW proves its commitment to shaping the future and growing importance as a center for technological advancement and digital innovation.