Roland Busch, Chief Executive Officer of Siemens AG, has called on Germany to harness the full potential of its vast industrial data.
According to him, this data holds the key to strengthening the country’s position in global AI.
During a Bloomberg Television interview in Berlin on July 21, Busch emphasized the importance of this resource.
“We are sitting on a massive amount of data,” he said. “This is one of the most industrialized economies in the world.
Our companies, large and small, generate data daily from buildings, factories, and engineering systems.”
A Competitive Edge
Germany’s industrial sector has long been one of its greatest assets. Now, it could offer a strategic edge in AI development.
Every process, from production lines to digital building systems, creates valuable information.
If properly analyzed and applied, this data could dramatically increase efficiency and innovation across industries.
Busch highlighted that Germany’s manufacturing base provides an opportunity that few countries can match.
However, this opportunity must be acted upon. Without the right tools and policies, the data could remain unused and ineffective.
AI Integration
Siemens is already taking steps to lead in industrial AI by deploying AI tech to help producers run more efficient systems.
To that effect, it has partnered with Nvidia Corporation to advance AI-powered manufacturing systems.
Additionally, Siemens has expanded its software capabilities. It recently acquired Altair Engineering Inc. and Dotmatics, two software firms that enhance its ability to offer intelligent, data-driven services.
These acquisitions show Siemens’s intent to deepen its role in digital transformation.
Regulation and Innovation
Beyond technology, Busch addressed a more complex issue: regulation. He stressed that Europe’s current regulatory framework must change if it hopes to compete with U.S. tech firms.
“The regulatory environment in Europe needs to evolve,” Busch said. “We must support innovation, not hold it back.”
He warned that overly rigid rules could prevent European companies from taking full advantage of AI.
The United States continues to lead in software innovation partly due to its flexible policies. Without similar reforms, Europe may struggle to keep pace.
A €100B Growth Initiative
Busch joined Deutsche Bank CEO Christian Sewing to discuss a new initiative involving over 60 leading German firms.
Together, these companies aim to invest at least €100 billion (approximately $116 billion) into new projects.
The initiative seeks to revive Europe’s largest economy by driving innovation, accelerating digital adoption, and strengthening industrial capacity.
AI stands at the center of this vision. By combining Germany’s strong industrial foundation with advanced technology, the initiative hopes to create sustainable economic growth.
