“Innovation through Cooperation”: How ecoplus is advancing additive manufacturing – Interview with Benjamin Losert

The economic agency of Lower Austria, ecoplus, has been a driving force behind the economic and technological development of the region for decades. With a specialized team and an extensive network, the agency provides tailored services for companies and research institutions. A central guiding principle of the ecoplus clusters is “Innovation through Cooperation.” By closely connecting businesses with research institutions, the agency promotes the practical application of new technologies, including additive manufacturing. In an interview with 3Druck.com, Benjamin Losert discusses the significance of additive manufacturing for Austria, its potential to enhance traditional manufacturing methods, and ecoplus’ role in fostering innovation and strengthening international competitiveness.

ecoplus promotes technological innovation through targeted networking between businesses and science. With its cluster and platform programs, the agency addresses key future topics such as bioeconomy and health technologies. Companies benefit from this ecosystem by gaining access to expertise, research, and funding opportunities. The programs not only support established industries but also cover cross-cutting technological developments like 3D printing. Additive manufacturing is seen as a key technology in regional networks, particularly for prototyping and the production of complex components.

With 16 business parks, Lower Austria provides top-tier locations for companies through ecoplus. These parks are designed to meet the needs of technology-oriented enterprises and foster synergies through their proximity to research and educational institutions. A prime example is the House of Digitalization in Tulln, a flagship project serving as a hub for businesses, academia, and the general public.

Standards in sustainable site development are being set with a strong focus on resource conservation and the promotion of climate-friendly industrial areas. In this context, ecoplus provides companies in the 3D printing sector not only with robust infrastructure but also with dedicated support in adopting sustainable production methods.

Interview with Benjamin Losert

DI Benjamin Losert, Deputy Cluster Manager of the Plastics and Mechatronics Clusters at ecoplus, highlights in the interview with 3Druck.com the importance of additive manufacturing for Lower Austria and Austria as a whole, especially as a complement to and a potential transformation of traditional manufacturing methods. He also emphasizes ecoplus’ role in connecting businesses with research institutions to drive innovation and enhance international competitiveness. As a board member of the technology platform AM Austria, he aims to draw global attention to Austria’s capabilities in additive manufacturing and encourage companies to explore the diverse possibilities of this technology.

How would you assess the importance of additive manufacturing for the economy of Lower Austria, and which industries benefit the most from this technology?

Additive manufacturing is not only crucial for Lower Austria but also for the entire Austrian economy. This technology is currently an excellent complement to traditional manufacturing methods. It has the potential to transform these methods and offers numerous advantages in terms of flexibility, efficiency, and sustainability. Industries such as automotive, aerospace, medical technology, mechanical engineering, as well as the construction and food sectors, benefit significantly from the innovative possibilities of additive manufacturing.

However, it’s not just about mastering the technology itself—it’s also about spreading knowledge regarding its application and diverse use cases. There are already successful examples in various fields, and both positive and less successful experiences provide valuable learning opportunities. By sharing knowledge and best practices, companies can optimize their processes and explore new market opportunities.

What role does ecoplus play in promoting and advancing additive manufacturing in Lower Austria, particularly in terms of networking companies with scientific partners?

I have been part of the ecoplus team for 15 years in the Plastics and Mechatronics Clusters, and the motto of the ecoplus clusters is “Innovation through Cooperation.” We connect national and international companies with research institutions to practically apply technologies in joint projects. It’s essential for industry partners to test new technologies and for research partners to develop solutions to emerging challenges.

To achieve this, we leverage state and federal funding. As the economic agency of the State of Lower Austria, ecoplus acts as a central hub, linking businesses, research, and funding providers. Our goal is to foster these networks so that all participants benefit from the resulting synergies.

One example is a project in which a hydroturbine manufacturer and a university developed an innovative solution for additive manufacturing processes. In the first step, the technical feasibility was demonstrated, and the manufacturing process was stabilized. Now, it’s being integrated into production workflows. This project has also sparked ideas for further applications among other partners, which are now being developed. These are often the underestimated side effects of such collaborations.

What goals do you pursue as a board member of the AM Austria technology platform to strengthen the additive manufacturing industry in Austria?

Austria has the highest density of system manufacturers worldwide, relative to its size. One of my key tasks is to showcase to the world that Austria has a lot to offer in the field of additive manufacturing. We aim to draw international attention to Austria’s impressive skills and innovations in this area. Additionally, it’s crucial to demonstrate to companies from other industries the numerous possibilities additive manufacturing offers and encourage them to explore these technologies. Often, the best ideas arise when companies start experimenting with additive manufacturing.

How do you see the future development of additive manufacturing in Austria, especially concerning international competitiveness?

Austria has already made a significant international impact with additive manufacturing, and the future development of this technology will further enhance this trend. The key to international competitiveness lies in continuous innovation and close collaboration between industry and research. By utilizing targeted funding programs and networking companies with academic partners, we can help ensure that Austria remains at the forefront of this technological advancement. Additive manufacturing not only opens up new possibilities for custom solutions and prototyping but also provides significant advantages in sustainability and resource efficiency. By spreading knowledge and understanding of this technology, Austria’s role as a global player in additive manufacturing can be solidified.

Here you can find further information on ecoplus.