Internationalisation
The Canadian Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) and the regional agency e-mobil BW signed a joint Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This continues the long-standing partnership between the regions and further consolidates cooperation in the global automotive and mobility sector.
Province of Ontario and the State of Baden-Württemberg are strengthening their economic relationship through a new strategic partnership between the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) and the agency of the State of Baden-Württemberg e-mobil BW. This new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) marks the continuation of the long-standing MOU between the two regions which was renewed last October. It will enhance further cross-jurisdictional collaboration and bolster both regions’ leadership positions in the global automotive and mobility sector.
“The signing of this MOU is a significant milestone in the collaborative history of Ontario and Baden-Württemberg,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “As two major global automotive hubs, our combined strengths will drive key priorities in the industry by boosting innovation, enhancing research, and increasing our long-term manufacturing competitiveness.”
“I very much welcome the fact that e-mobil BW and OVIN want to work closely together on mobility topics based on our existing partnership and the MoU signed today. When two strong partners join forces, they can grow together and better master the current challenges of ecological, economic and digital transformation, which are particularly relevant in the field of mobility. I wish you a rewarding and successful collaboration”, said Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut, Minister of Economic Affairs, Labour and Tourism of the State of Baden-Württemberg.
Designed to establish a bilateral relationship between OVIN and e-mobil BW, the MOU outlines mutual commitments between Ontario and Baden-Württemberg that will foster the necessary conditions for advancements in the automotive and mobility solutions and commercialization of new technologies, leading to further economic growth. Through this strategic partnership, both regions will identify potential opportunities for collaboration, networking, and enhancing support provided to SMEs. Key drivers of this partnership include a commitment to exchange of knowledge, co-hosting bilateral and multilateral events, and cross-promoting initiatives.
“Ontario and the State of Baden-Württemberg each have a longstanding reputation as global automotive industry leaders. This new partnership between the two regions is proof of an even greater capacity for innovation and economic growth across North America and Europe,” said Raed Kadri, Head of OVIN. “With OVIN and e-mobil BW working in lockstep, we stand together on the global stage, ready to drive our respective automotive and mobility sectors to even greater heights and propel the global market into the future.”
“The automotive industry is undergoing a profound transformation worldwide. To be successful in the transformation, you need strong partners. Baden-Württemberg and Ontario are such strong partners and can shape automotive future together,” said Franz Loogen, President of e-mobil BW. “Together with OVIN we gain the possibility to connect our ecosystems and learn from each other. Specifically, we want to deepen the work in our networks, such as the Cluster Electric Mobility South-West and the Network Intelligent Move”.
Ontario and Baden-Württemberg are two of the largest automotive jurisdictions globally and home to a combined nearly 2,000 suppliers. The signing of an MOU between the two regional networks signals mutual cooperation in advancing key priorities in the sector, including R&D, technology acceleration, testing and demonstration, talent development, manufacturing and customer development in line with the evolving demand for connected and autonomous driving, electrification, and other emerging technologies.
The MOU was signed during the trip of a 50-member business delegation led by Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut, Minister of Economic Affairs, Labor and Tourism of Baden-Württemberg. The first part of the visit will led to Baden-Württemberg's partner province of Ontario, where the cities of Toronto and Waterloo are on the agenda. The group will then continue its trip to Montréal in the province of Québec. Both provinces are considered to be important economic centers in Canada. The main focus of the entire trip will be on the topics of "Artificial Intelligence and Wireless Technologies for Mobility" and "Climate-Tech". In addition to technical topics, the minister's agenda also includes further political talks and company visits. In Waterloo, a visit to Enlighted by Siemens and a tour of the first net-zero carbon building in Canada are planned. At the University of Waterloo, visits will be made to the Climate Institute and the Institute for Renewable Energy.
The Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) is an initiative of the Government of Ontario, led by the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), designed to reinforce Ontario’s position as a North American leader in advanced automotive technology and smart mobility solutions such as connected vehicles, autonomous vehicles and electric and low-carbon vehicle technologies.
Through resources such as research and development (R&D) support, talent and skills development, technology acceleration, business and technical supports, and demonstration grounds, OVIN provides a competitive advantage to Ontario-made automotive and mobility technology companies.
e-mobil BW is the innovation agency and competence center of the State of Baden-Württemberg for new mobility solutions and automotive. In a network with partners from industry, universities and public institutions, it takes a hand in shaping the future for an automated, connected and electric mobility in a viable energy system. e-mobil BW coordinates the two cluster initiatives “Cluster Electric Mobility South-West” and “Cluster Fuel Cell BW” as well as the network on autonomous driving “Intelligent Move”. As state agency e-mobil BW acts as a driver in the industrialization, market launch and application of sustainable, climate compatible and locally zero-emission mobility solutions. To this effect, it strengthens the State of Baden-Württemberg as an industrial and science center.
Source: Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN)