GEMIT
Institute for Business Process Management and IT

Description

AUFBRUCH is an interdisciplinary doctoral programme that addresses key issues relating to a sustainable bioeconomy in the Rhineland mining region. The aim is to use interdisciplinary research to gain a better understanding of the challenges and potential of bioeconomic transformation processes and, on that basis, to generate long-term impetus for application-oriented solutions.

The cluster pursues three overarching objectives: training highly qualified specialists who can actively help shape the region’s transformation; developing technological innovations that combine environmental and economic sustainability; and fostering entrepreneurial thinking from which viable start-up ideas can emerge.

At the Hochschule Niederrhein, three research groups are working together on AUFBRUCH. Those involved are Prof. Dr Beckmann, who heads Innovation Area 5, Prof. Dr Krehl and Prof. Dr Bergstedt. PhD students and supervisors from various disciplines work closely together to contribute to the bioeconomic transformation from different perspectives.

AUFBRUCH thus sees itself as a structurally effective element in the transformation process of the Rhineland mining region, with the aim of generating scientifically sound yet practically relevant insights for a sustainable economy.

Funding

Federal Ministry of Education and Research

Partners

RWTH Aachen University, Aachen University of Applied Sciences, Dortmund Technical University, CLIB – Industrial Biotechnology Cluster, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Jülich Research Centre, Cologne University of Applied Sciences

Duration

1 April 2024 – 31 March 2028

Description

Microbiological food safety is crucial for protecting consumers, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and maintaining competitiveness in international trade, particularly in view of the Netherlands’ growing agricultural exports, with Germany as its most important partner. However, existing methods for bacterial detection are often time-consuming (e.g. up to 72 hours) or provide only limited meaningful results.

The Bact-Scan project is therefore developing an innovative real-time monitoring tool for the simultaneous detection of multiple bacterial contaminants. The aim is to provide a fast, precise and solution with a strong practical orientation that enables well-informed decisions to be made during the production process. This interdisciplinary project brings together sensor design (Maastricht University), data analysis and software development (ARKONI B.V., Yookr B.V.) and market launch (GEMIT Institute, Brightlands Campus Greenport Venlo B.V.). Validation is being carried out in collaboration with companies in the food industry, including Bauer Funken GmbH & Co., Wijngoed Havelte B.V. and Reestlandhoeve B.V.

Bact-Scan helps to identify risks at an early stage, optimise processes and improve food safety in the long term.

Funding

Interreg VI Germany – Netherlands

Partners

Maastricht University (Vesging Venlo), Arkoni B.V., Brightlands Campus
Greenport Venlo, Heinz Funken GmbH & Co. KG, Wijngoed en zorghoeve de Reestlandhoeve
B.V., Wijngoed Havelte, Yookr B.V.

Project duration

1 January 2026 – 31 December 2028

Description

The DigiMach (Digital Machining) project addresses the uneven digitalisation and fragmentation of specialist knowledge within the mechanical engineering sector in the Meuse-Rhine region. With experienced specialists leaving the workforce and skills sets dwindling, regional industries risk losing their competitive edge and crucial know-how. It aims to enhance the digital capabilities of 150 SMEs through accessible tools, targeted training and support. Twenty pilot projects will validate these solutions in real-world environments and boost efficiency for regional manufacturers. DigiMach brings together expertise from Dutch, German, Flemish, Walloon and German-speaking East Belgian partners to tackle common challenges, strengthen competitiveness and counteract the loss of skills through knowledge transfer and training.

DigiMach is funded by the Interreg Euregio Meuse-Rhine programme and has a budget of 3.66 million euros, 50 per cent of which is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), with support from public and private partners. By integrating AI, IoT and robotics, the project improves data-driven decision-making, reduces costs and promotes sustainable growth within the framework of Specific Objective SO 1.i, with a focus on innovation capacity and technology adoption. DigiMach’s holistic approach includes needs assessments to tailor digital tools and training to the challenges faced by SMEs. A multilingual digital platform supports cross-border knowledge exchange, safeguards expertise and strengthens regional competitiveness.

Funding

Interreg Meuse-Rhine (NL-BE-DE)

Partners

Sirris, the collective centre for the technology industry, Technifutur, Basse-Meuse développement asbl, WFG Ostbelgien VoG, Maastricht University, Centre de Recherches Métallurgiques asbl, ITA Academy GmbH, Campus Heerlen Management & Development BV

Duration

1 September 2025 – 31 August 2028

Description

The InnoLoop project focuses on cross-regional technology transfer, thereby promoting innovation and digitalisation initiatives in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as the skills development and expertise of employees in the German-Dutch border region. It builds on the activities of the predecessor projects DigiPro, IPro-N and Digitrans, which, between 2017 and 2022, forged links between German and Dutch stakeholders and established a network to support SMEs in the programme area in developing digital innovations.

By building a shared knowledge base, InnoLoop fosters the innovation potential of all stakeholders involved in the transfer process and opens up new opportunities for value creation. The key instrument is a series of German-Dutch model innovation projects focusing on high-tech fields such as industrial robotics, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), additive manufacturing and virtual reality. In addition to technological development, the project partners benefit from intensive expert support during the technology transfer process. Furthermore, InnoLoop is developing a learning, cross-border innovation ecosystem that connects expertise and stakeholders on both sides of the border, synergistically integrates existing regional initiatives, networks and clusters, and brings together all relevant sectors from research through development to industry. A web portal supports this process by providing information with a practical orientation, such as guidelines, tools and partner matching services.

Funding

Interreg VI Germany – Netherlands

Partners

Oost NL, Münster University of Applied Sciences, TCNN, Milliarum, Saxion, MCC, Emsland GmbH

Duration

1 December 2023 – 30 November 2027

Description

The INDUSTR_I4.0 Small Projects Fund provides targeted support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the German-Dutch border region to drive forward the digital transformation in industry and the skilled trades sector. Unlike many programmes, INDUSTR_I4.0 is not aimed at technological pioneers, but at the vast majority of SMEs that have so far benefited little from Industry 4.0 technologies. Despite growing digital opportunities, according to Radboud University, only 15 per cent of entrepreneurs use advanced technologies. Many digital developments remain isolated, with no connection to other solutions – a challenge that causes smaller businesses in particular to fall behind.

With funding of 10 million euros, the aim is to implement around 80 innovation projects and 80 feasibility studies focusing on specific applications of digital technologies – such as AI for optimising products and business processes. The aim is to support up to 200 companies in embarking on their digital transformation. Close cooperation between German and Dutch partners is a prerequisite for this. The project is being carried out as part of the Interreg VI Germany-Netherlands programme and is co-funded by the EU as well as numerous regional ministries and provinces.

Funding

Interreg VI Germany–Netherlands

Partners

Oost-NL, TCNN Technology Network, Emsland GmbH, MCC Cluster e.V., Münster University of Applied Sciences, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, TAFH Münster, BOM

Duration

1 January 2024 – 31 December 2027

Description

Digitalisation is playing an increasingly important role in the agricultural and food sector. Some farms are already using digital applications to produce more sustainably and to a higher standard, as well as to make work processes more efficient. To specifically promote this transition in the Euregio, the ‘Sustainable Production of Healthy Food (SPoHF)’ project was launched. Unlike many similar initiatives, SPoHF focuses not only on economic efficiency and yield optimisation, but also on environmental aspects and improving product quality in the interests of healthy eating.

The project concentrates on fruit and vegetable cultivation, both in greenhouses and in the open field. To improve quality in a targeted manner, individual plants are monitored using digital twins, which enables digital monitoring in addition to physical inspection. Based on these twins and through the use of artificial intelligence, it is possible to simulate, automatically suggest and monitor both the current condition of the plant and the potential effects of measures such as irrigation or lighting. In particular, the project is investigating energy-saving measures relating to humidity control, lighting and pest control, as well as the more precise use of weather data. The effectiveness of these measures is verified through laboratory and on-site analyses of product samples. In this way, SPoHF enables the more sustainable and targeted cultivation of healthy agricultural produce.

Funding

Interreg VI Germany – Netherlands

Partners

AppComm, Brightlabs, Compas Agro, Fontys Venlo, ProcEvolution, Vitarom, Yookr

Duration

1 December 2023 – 30 June 2027

Description

As part of the nationwide TransBiB project – the National Transfer and Acceleration Network for the Industrial Bioeconomy – GEMIT is working on the sub-project ‘Creation of a knowledge repository on scaling, networking and transfer’. The aim is to accelerate the transformation of industry and society in line with the principles of the industrial bioeconomy. To this end, a central, digital knowledge repository is being established to systematically collect, evaluate and make accessible existing expertise on innovative bio-based approaches.

The cross-regional pooling of knowledge, together with close collaboration with relevant initiatives, boards and committees, will create an effective transfer and networking tool. This knowledge repository is intended to serve as the foundation for the coordinated scaling up of bio-based technologies and to promote their rapid transfer into industrial practice. In this way, the project makes an important contribution to nationwide networking and the strengthening of the industrial bioeconomy in Germany.

Funding

Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy

Partners

Technical University of Munich, BIOPRO, Rosenheim University of Applied Sciences, Rhine-Neckar Metropolitan Region, BioCampus Straubing, CLIB, PHS, Karlsruhe TechnologyRegion, DBFZ, SKZ, RWTH/DWI, Biberach University of Applied Sciences, University of Greifswald, LUH

Duration

1 December 2023 – 30 September 2026

Description

The project ‘XR Environmental Education in Mönchengladbach’s City Forest’ investigates how immersive technologies can be used to redesign environmental education for children and young people. The focus is on developing and evaluating a prototype XR discovery trail that enriches real-world forest environments with digital information and interactions. The aim is to promote environmental awareness through direct experience and to convey complex ecological relationships in a clear and engaging way.

As part of a feasibility study, the MXR Lab is working with mags to develop an initial functional demonstrator for mixed-reality applications on mobile headsets. In particular, approaches such as gamification and digital nudging are being integrated to encourage sustainable behaviour. The results will serve as the foundation for potential scaling up.

Funding:

Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community (BMI) as part of the Smart City Mönchengladbach initiative

Partner:

mags AöR

Smart City Mönchengladbach

Duration:

1 June 2025 – 31 May 2026

Description

The “PLAYGROUND-XR” project investigates how extended reality can be used to actively involve children and young people in urban planning processes. The aim is to develop an XR demonstrator for the design of playgrounds.

The demonstrator enables play equipment and landscape features to be positioned and visualised in mixed reality. Workshops and user tests provide insights into its use and acceptance.

Funding:

Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community (BMI)

Partners:

mags AöR

Smart City Mönchengladbach

Duration:

1 February 2026 – 31 July 2026

Description

The “ShopAI” project investigates how immersive technologies and AI agents are transforming virtual shopping environments and what impact this has on consumers’ self-perception and identity. The focus is on how people navigate hybrid realities involving physical, virtual and AI-generated actors, and what so-called ‘reality anchors’ are required to ensure orientation and trust in virtual retail spaces.

To this end, the MXR Lab is developing experimental virtual shopping environments in which AI-based assistants, digital products and immersive interactions are systematically investigated. Building on the concept of sociomateriality, the project analyses how technological artefacts and social interactions interact.

Funding:

Internal project funding from the Hochschule Niederrhein

Partner:

The Hochschule Niederrhein (Faculty of Textile and Clothing Technology)

Associated partners:

AI Village Rheinisches Revier

FYNCH-HATTON

Duration:

1 January 2025 – 30 June 2026

Description

The project investigates how AI-generated influencers are transforming digital communication and marketing strategies in the fashion sector, and what ethical and societal implications this entails. The focus is particularly on ‘virtue signalling’ and consumers’ perceptions of authenticity and trust in AI-driven communication environments.

As part of a German-Australian collaboration, the project combines social media analyses, experimental studies and prototypes of AI influencers. The aim is to develop recommendations for action for businesses and regulators, as well as to generate scientific insights into the perception of AI in digital marketing.

Funding:

DAAD PPP

Partners:

University of Melbourne

The Hochschule Niederrhein (Faculty of Textile and Clothing Technology)

Duration:

2 January 2026 – 31 December 2027

Co-pilot or ‘crash pilot’? How can ChatGPT improve the quality of my code?

In: Java Spektrum 5/2024.

Rueffreck, M. & Schekelmann, A. (2024)

From product to platform: How incumbents’ assumptions and choices shape their platform strategy

In: Research Policy, 53(1), 104904.

Van Dyck, M., Lüttgens, D., Diener, K., Piller, F., & Pollok, P. (2024)

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Successful risk management in procurement: Processes, trends and cultural change for future-proof supply chains

Beckmann, H. & Waaden, T. (2024)

Hofstede Matters

In: Routledge Taylor and Francis Group.

Magala, S. J., Erten, C., Bell, R. M., Claes, M., Yazici, S. & Karabag, A. (2024)

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In Memory of Geert Hofstede: A Pioneer in Comparative Cross-Cultural Management Research and Practice

In: Hofstede Matters.

Yazici, S. (2024)

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Intermediaries and Platforms for Open Innovation

In: The Oxford Handbook of Open Innovation.

Diener, K., Piller, F. & Pollok, P. (2024)

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Introductory Course in Procurement Management

In: Springer Vieweg Berlin, Heidelberg.

Beckmann, H. (2023)

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SmartParks City Hubs – The City and Regional Logistics Network of the Future

In: Towards the New Normal in Mobility.

Beckmann, H., Ries, R. (2023)

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Robotic Process Automation in the Back Office – Success Factors for the Implementation of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) at Deutsche Leasing AG

In: Business Informatics & Management, 14(5), 340–346.

Pabst, S. & Karla, J. (2022)

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Digitalisation of management reporting processes – A technology-oriented maturity model for use in SMEs

In: HMD Praxis der Wirtschaftsinformatik, 59(3), 940–960.

Stoffers, P., Karla, J. & Kaufmann, J. (2022)

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A proof of concept for providing traffic data via AI-based computer vision as a basis for smarter industrial areas

In: Procedia Computer Science, 201, 239–246.

Shams, A., Schekelmann, A. & Mülder, W. (2022)

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Wearables for Quality Assurance in Manual Assembly: A Qualitative Study

In: Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems (pp. 42–49).

Wagner, K., Ries, R., Beckmann, H., Leyendecker, B. (2022)

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Wearables for quality assurance in assembly by hand – A qualitative study

In: GQW Conference 2021.

Wagner, P., Pötters, P., Leyendecker, B., Ries, R.-M., Beckmann, H. (2021)

Quo in Requirements Engineering: A Theory and a Global Family of Surveys

In: ACM Transactions on Software Engineering and Methodology, Volume 28, Issue 2.

Wagner, S., Méndez Fernández, D., Felderer, M., Vetrò, A., Kalinowski, M., Wieringa, R. J., Pfahl, D., Conte, T., Christiansson, M.-T., Greer, D., Lassenius, C., Männistö, T., Nayebi, M., Oivo, M., Penzenstadler, B., Prikladnicki, R., Ruhe, G., Schekelmann, A., Sen, S., Spínola, R. O., Tuzcu, A., de la Vara, J. L. & Winkler, D. (2021)

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Strategic Sustainability through Serious Gaming: A Case Study of STRASUS

In: esearch Publications (Maastricht University), 753–762.

Xie, N. & von Zuydtwyck, R. H. (2021)

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Sustainable Packaging Logistics: Optimising Transport Cartons Along Global Supply Chains

In: CSR and Logistics: Areas of Tension between Green Logistics and City Logistics.

Waaden, T. (2021)

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Knowledge diversity and team creativity: How hobbyists outperform professional designers in creating novel board games

In: Research Policy, 50(8), 104174.

Pollok, P., Amft, A., Diener, K., Lüttgens, D., & Piller, F. T. (2021)

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Coffee Break Podcast: Experiences with production in teaching education and its use in science communication

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Karla, J. (2020)

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Mobile Applications and the Development of the App Economy

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Erlenwein, T., Karla, J. & Maus, D. (2020)

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