Fraunhofer IAO: Who we are

How do we want to, how can we, and how must we work in the future? In our view, this is the key question that must be answered in order to maintain future viability and value creation – especially in light of the multiple crises of our time. At the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO, we conduct research on this question and work with our customers to put our findings into practice. Our research always focuses on the interplay of three key components: people, technology, and organization.

 In doing so, we pursue a clear vision:

"We think about and shape the future of value creation and work in the triad of people, technology, and organization."

We can only move forward if different players work together systematically. That is why we see ourselves as forward-looking shapers of innovation ecosystems. Our customers are at the heart of our work, but we always take a systemic perspective. We are able to do this because our institute brings together numerous disciplines and specialized experts – we develop innovative technologies for our customers and empower them to use these technologies effectively.  

 Our mission describes this aspiration and makes our vision a reality:  

 “We are forward-looking system shapers and develop the innovation ecosystems of tomorrow. We empower people and organizations to use innovative technologies effectively. To this end, we work in a science-based, transdisciplinary, and customer-oriented manner.”  

Our research fields comprehensively cover the triad of people, technology, and organization:

• Working environments of tomorrow: How is our working world changing? We analyze forward-looking working environments, new leadership approaches, and transformative corporate cultures.
• Digital transformation: Digital change is accelerating dramatically – with far-reaching consequences for all industries. We conduct research on the latest digitalization trends, disruptive business models, and critical future skills from a corporate perspective.
• Artificial intelligence (AI): AI is rapidly evolving from hype to business standard. We examine user experience, data strategies, industrial AI applications, and their opportunities, risks, and regulatory challenges.
• Mobility and logistics: Our research ranges from networked mobility concepts and automated driving to issues of supply and infrastructure.
• Sustainability and resilience: Climate strategies are becoming a survival factor for companies. We research approaches in the circular economy and innovative energy systems that are redefining Germany as an industrial site.
• Production and value creation: Industry 4.0 is followed by the next leap forward – we address technologies that are fundamentally changing the manufacturing landscape, such as networked production, advanced systems engineering, and digital engineering.
• Urban systems: Intelligent neighborhood development, reinventing tourism and gastronomy after the pandemic, and data-driven urban solutions. We illustrate how cities need to respond to the climate crisis, demographic change, and digitalization.
• Virtual worlds: Extended realities, digital twins, and virtual avatars – we separate hype from substance and show which companies are already creating real value in virtual worlds today.
• Future technologies: Quantum computing, neuro-engineering, and cybersecurity – the underestimated tech revolutions beyond the headlines. Our researchers provide deep insights into technologies that will shape the future.

Our customers include large companies, SMEs, institutions, and public sector organizations.  

We prepare our customers for the future with scientific findings and tried-and-tested methods. From initial consultation to concrete solutions for individual issues: our project formats range from small projects to innovation networks to long-term development partnerships, from efficiency improvements to AI implementation.  

To our range of services

Our interdisciplinary teams bring together colleagues from various disciplines: business and economics, computer science, engineering, social sciences, and natural sciences. They analyze issues from a systemic perspective and find practical and feasible solutions.

To our Research units

We work closely with our partner institute, the Institute for Human Factors and Technology Management (IAT) at the University of Stuttgart, as well as with the Technical University of Berlin and various other universities.  

Fraunhofer IAO and IAT employ around 680 people and have over 15,000 m² of office space, demonstration centers, development and test laboratories at their disposal.

To our laboratories