Berlin to go, english edition 1/2015

DISCUSSION
So there‘s no need to fear Big Brother as far as “Industry 4.0” is
concerned. What about the other common fear associated with
this issue? Will machines steal our jobs?
CH: The new development will present us with both positive
effects as well as certain challenges. However, I see no realistic
scenario in which technology turns everything upside down and
human labor is no longer needed. It is safe to say that machines
will become increasingly standardized and take over repetitive
tasks. However, more skilled workers will be needed to set up
and operate those machines. While some things will disappear,
new things will appear – exactly on what scale, we’ll just have to
wait and see. But the need for manpower certainly isn’t about
to disappear.
To what extent can the “Industrial Revolution” be seen as a
model?
CH: A lesson that the history of industrial revolutions teaches
us is that they are often preceded by fears and objections
that have often proven unfounded. Mankind has never been
deprived of a chance to earn a living. On the contrary, prior
industrial revolutions were responsible for historically unique
progress in the fields of health, life expectancy and prosperity.
We have every reason to enter this new era with optimism.
Back to the here and now: Has the launch of “Industry 4.0”
gone the way you imagined it would?
CH: In Germany, it is still proceeding rather haltingly. Germany
certainly aspires to play a leading role in every relevant field of
science and technology. But far too little is being done in terms
actually implementing “Industry 4.0”. Mid-sized companies in
particular seem to continue to take a wait-and-see attitude.
If the recent history of the Internet teaches us anything, it is
that speed is everything
in this new
sector. If you don‘t
already have a plan,
tomorrow may be too
late. So I would like to
see fewer strategy sessions
and more entrepreneurial
spirit.
This year, the new GE training center
will be opening in Berlin. Even the chancellor
was at the groundbreaking. GE and Berlin:
What’s the connection?
CH: We have a long history with Berlin, a fact that received
considerable attention during the groundbreaking ceremony.
The first GE plants were built in the capital more than 130
years ago. Emil Rathenau and our founder Thomas Edison were
good friends and Rathenau became a licensee for Edison‘s breakthrough
technology in the field of electricity and lighting.
However, there is another reason why Berlin is so important to
us: the city’s special appeal, which makes it easy to recruit many
highly qualified employees, even from abroad.
Did the city‘s startup scene play a role in choosing Berlin as
your location?
CH: Of course. Berlin is, indeed, a paradise for startups. The
concentration of sharp minds in such a lively locale is certainly
something that will enrich this city for decades to come and it’s
what makes it so attractive to companies like GE.
Thank you for the interview. Interview Julian Vetten
BERLIN TO GO 13