The IMWF believes that companies that take a bold approach to digitalization will be the long-term winners in their sectors. In order to determine these businesses, the study thoroughly analyzed 12,000 companies‘ statements in the categories of "digitalization", "technology" and "innovation".

The study’s findings were based on a "social listening" method and a survey of the companies. For the social listening element, approximately 1.5 million entries on the companies being researched were found online and analyzed with the help of artificial intelligence (AI). Meanwhile, for the data collected by questionnaire, the businesses were asked about their digitalization measures in different thematic blocks. The findings were then evaluated using a points system, which then determined the "Digital Champions 2023".

In the "machinery and plant construction" sector, Ingelfingen-based technology company GEMÜ achieved a rating of 94.4 out of 100 possible points and came fifth out of 91 companies awarded the title.

"This study further confirms our strategy to always push ahead with digitalization at GEMÜ all around the world. I’m confident that progressive digitalization offers the GEMÜ Group many opportunities. Our goal is to be successful in the long term by moving forwards and identifying opportunities at an early stage," says Gert Müller, Managing Partner of the GEMÜ Group.