Succesful 4th Learning Expedition in Dresden
IDEALIST Brings European Innovation to Dresden: Industrial Resilience and Sustainability at the
Heart of the 4th Learning Expedition
The fourth Learning Expedition of the European project IDEALIST (3 InDustrial Ecosystems
tAckLing supply chains dISrupTions and boosting advanced technologies uptake) concluded with
great success on October 29-30, 2025, in the inspiring setting of Schloss Pillnitz, along the banks
of the Elbe River near Dresden.
After previous editions in Zaragoza, Florence and Katowice, this month’s expedition gathered
over 60 experts, entrepreneurs and cluster representatives from across Europe for two days of
exchange, collaboration and discovery under the theme: “Chemical Products, Railway
Technologies and Metallic Raw Materials.”
Building Bridges Between Industry, Research and Regions
The event opened at the Schlosshotel Pillnitz with welcoming remarks from Alysée Cibil (CIMES,
IDEALIST Coordinator), Dr. Wolfgang Reimer (GKZ Freiberg), Tobias Schwarzmüller (ChemieCluster Bayern) and Veronica Elena Bocci (DITECFER, representing the LEADER2030 project). All
emphasized the importance of transnational cooperation in strengthening Europe’s industrial
competitiveness and sustainability.
Keynotes by Dr. Pierre Gröning (VCI – EU Brussels Office) and Veronica Elena Bocci highlighted
EU frameworks for innovation, competitiveness and sustainable feed supply. The first day
explored circularity of raw materials with insights from POWPRO, Spray Vision and eco2Veritas,
followed by start-up pitches from xemX Materials, ExoMatter GmbH and Deutsche E-Metalle.
A “Walk & Talk” through the Pillnitz Palace vineyards fostered new synergies before sessions on
railway and smart manufacturing technologies featuring Haver & Boecker Niagara, Hydrogenea,
DBI and AMBARtec concluded a day rich in innovation and collaboration.
Industrial Transformation in Practice: Visit to WACKER Chemie, Nünchritz
On the second day, participants visited WACKER Chemie AG’s Nünchritz plant, the largest
chemical industry site in Saxony. The visit offered an in-depth look at how circular production
systems and low-emission technologies are implemented on an industrial scale.
As Dr. Jutta Matreux, Plant Director, highlighted, WACKER has significantly reduced raw material
and energy consumption through an integrated by-product recovery system—an example of
innovation and environmental responsibility in action.
The visit, co-organized by GKZ Freiberg e.V. and Chemie-Cluster Bayern, facilitated direct
dialogue between representatives of energy-intensive industries, innovative SMEs and research
institutions. Discussions focused on raw material security, price stability and climate protection,
key pillars of Europe’s industrial transformation.
“The transition toward a sustainable and competitive chemical industry can only succeed
through close cooperation between business, research and policy,” stated Dr. Jutta Matreux.
“IDEALIST is the ideal platform to share best practices and develop concrete solutions for a more
resilient and innovative Europe” added Dr. Wolfgang Reimer, Managing Director of GKZ
Freiberg.
Plant Manager Jutta Matreux and GKZ Managing Director Wolfgang Reimer, one of the organizers of
the exchange alongside Chemie-Cluster Bayern, with the international visitor group. Photo: WACKER.
Shared Responsibility for Sustainable Value Creation
Through its Learning Expeditions, IDEALIST connects clusters, SMEs and innovation actors from
the three industrial ecosystems: Energy Intensive Industries, Aerospace & Defence and Mobility,
Transport & Automotive.
By creating hands-on learning environments, IDEALIST fosters the exchange of knowledge and
best practices to strengthen Europe’s industrial resilience, support green transition goals and
accelerate cross-sector innovation.
The Dresden expedition once again demonstrated how European cooperation can translate into
practical progress toward climate neutrality, resource security and sustainable industrial growth.
The insights gathered during the two-day event will feed into broader European dialogues on
industrial transformation.
About the Organizers
GKZ Freiberg e.V. (Geokompetenzzentrum Freiberg)
A German network uniting industry, academia and authorities across the geo-mining value
chain. GKZ focuses on resource efficiency, circular economy and climate-neutral technologies.
Website: www.gkz-ev.de
Chemie-Cluster Bayern (CCB)
A Bavarian network of over 120 companies and research institutions driving innovation in
chemistry, materials and industrial biotechnology. CCB supports technology transfer, R&D
partnerships and industrial applications.
Website: www.chemiecluster-bayern.de
For Further Information
For more details about the IDEALIST project, its objectives, and how to get involved, please visit
https://www.idealist-project.eu/ or contact info@idealist-project.eu.
Local contact
Chemie-Cluster Bayern GmbH
Dr. Emilija Kohls, Leitung Digitale Transformation & Innovation
kohls@chemiecluster-bayern.de
