Technological progress is essential for business success. In order not to miss out on this, it is important for companies to always keep an eye on new technical advances and drive forward further developments based on current problems. This is often not easy, especially for medium-sized companies, in addition to day-to-day business and the daily economic challenges.

SKZ builds a "bridge between basic research and direct industrial application"
This is precisely where the SKZ Plastics Center in Würzburg supports the plastics industry. There is an active exchange between the institute and industry in various specialist areas. "At the SKZ, we focus on practical and application-oriented research and development. In this way, we bridge the gap between basic research and direct industrial application," explains Michael Heilig, Group Manager for Adhesive Bonding and Surface Technology at the SKZ.

Influencing the direction of future innovations
This exchange of knowledge is ideally based on reciprocity. Insight into current industrial challenges and needs is of great benefit to the researchers. The companies can influence the direction of future innovations and thus also benefit in the areas where innovations are most urgently needed.

Industry body with a steering function
One example of such direct communication and regular exchange is the Adhesive Bonding and Surface Technology Expert Group, which the SKZ set up ten years ago and to which more than 50 companies from the adhesive bonding and surface treatment industry belong. The industry committee assumes a steering function for the SKZ’s research activities and meets in person once a year in addition to the ongoing exchange.

Guest lectures from the industry
On September 24, 2024 for the tenth anniversary. Participants will receive a concise overview of current projects with initial results and new research ideas. Guest lectures from industry will also round off the expert panel. "The input and regular feedback from the field are of immense value to us, and we look forward to many more projects with our partners and to interesting questions and developments – in the next ten years too, of course," says Heilig.

More about the Adhesive Bonding research area