Innovation, cooperation, an open dialogue and sustainable investments are necessary to meet global competition. Massive geopolitical changes along with incalculably high volatilities in the financial and raw materials markets constitute enormous challenges to the flexibility of businesses in all economic sectors. More than ever before, innovation and cooperation throughout the value-added chain remain the factors that spell success, even in difficult times.
Over the last few years Dornbirn-MFC has developed into a global brand, witness not only the growing number of participants but also their international background.
Following the traditional opening of the Conference by the Managing Director, Friedrich Weninger, and the President of the AUSTRIAN-MFI, Robert van de Kerkhof, and words of welcome on the part of Karlheinz Rüdisser of the Vorarlberg Provincial Government, the meeting did feature the following plenary lectures:
CIRFS / Meiercord: ´The European chemical fibre industry – global overcapacities and other challenges´ ´the paper did review the global situation, the strengths of European industry and the challenge of overcapacities.
Form TL, Ingenieure für Tragwerk und Leichtbau/Schmid: ´Innovative supporting frameworks and building shells? – The paper did present visionary designs covering issues such as building physics, statics and sustainability as well as shapes, colours and light effects.
Wood K plus – Competence Centre for Wood /Stern, Hesser: ´Forest, wood and fibres from the angle of sustainability and communication´ – Wood as the material of the future ´ a holistic approach to life-cycle analysis . Humboldt Universität zu Berlin/Macho: ´Non-destructive innovation? Guilt, debts and the Utopian idea of emancipation´. A most exciting lecture that throws a new – and different – light on economics and economic activity.
The Paul Schlack / Wilhelm Albrecht Award 2015 went to Dr Wilhelm Steinmann, Institut für Textiltechnik der RWTH Aachen (G) for his paper ´Electrically conductive fibers from nanocomposites´, while the honorary award is conveyed upon Dr Klaus Opwis, Deutsches Textilforschungszentrum Nord-West Krefeld (G) for his work on ´Innovative textiles for the recovery of noble metals´.
More than 100 high-calibre presentations by international experts from industry and academic research make the Dornbirn-MFC a unique event. Sustainability´in its ecological, social and economic aspects´forms the thematic starting point of this year´s meeting. Subjects of seminal importance to the field of ´ecology and health´ all focus on this topic, which is sure to give rise to most interesting discussions.
Exciting innovations has been reported in the field of ´Fibre and filament innovations ´ (Bio) polymers´. Side by side with outstanding plenary and specialist papers, the meeting for the first time also featured a Panel Discussion with representatives of internationally renowned brands.
Promotion of the Dornbirn-MFC
The declared objective is to massively enhance interactivity among participants and lecturers and to make the best possible use of the´Think Tank´ of researchers and technologists.
The results achieved by questionnaire on ´Innovation in the Enterprise´, and in particular the high response rate, clearly demonstrate that the recipients are willing to participate in and give shape to the ´Innovative Community´. In this context, there will be some changes in the form and use of modern communication instruments.
Journalistsâ€â€especially those working in the specialised mediaâ€â€form an essential part of the ´Innovative Community´ and will hopefully lend their active s