Benchmarking Digital Technologies. Evolution of production in high-wage countries: General Report

Digitalization and the application of digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, smart robotics, augmented reality or big data are progressing steadily. In particular, companies with plants in countries such as Germany or Switzer-land are expecting new productivity gains and a positive impact on the competitiveness of their high-wage locations. But which technologies are really relevant? What collaborations are important and what are the overall benefits of digitization? In order to better understand the challenges and decisions of manufacturing companies with plants in high-wage locations, the Institute of Technology Management at the University of St.Gallen has launched the benchmarking “Digital Technologies”. It focuses on the topics of organization, strategy, areas of application, stake-holders, investments and performance of digitalization activities. In addition, the study includes many other insights and current developments regarding the use of digital technologies. With 139 participants, we see this study as an-other important step towards a better under-standing of digitalization activities in high-wage countries.