Medium-sized companies accelerate their path to digitalization when they cooperate and share their ideas, experiences and best practices. Henrik A. Schunk, Chairman of the Steering Committee of the Industry 4.0 platform and Chairman of the Board of Directors of SCHUNK, founded the “Next Level Mittelstand” initiative in 2024 for this purpose. He emphasizes: "We have noticed that many smaller companies are still struggling with digitalization. The aim of the initiative is therefore to bring companies together and jointly develop practical strategies and solutions for expanding digital expertise in SMEs."

Expertise from industry, process knowledge and software
SCHUNK, ebm-papst, HEITEC and Blockbrain jointly founded Next Level Mittelstand GmbH in Heilbronn, which is regarded as Europe's new AI center, at the beginning of April 2025 in order to expand the offering for the successfully growing network in a future-proof and scalable manner. Schwarz Digits intends to become a shareholder in Next Level Mittelstand GmbH with a Schwarz Group company. The companies are pursuing the goal of contributing their expertise and resources from industry, process knowledge and software in order to create an operational space for the implementation and provision of joint solution concepts. Next Level Mittelstand GmbH is intended to drive digitalization in the SME sector and strengthen the competitiveness of companies.

Structure for an open SME ecosystem
“We are thus creating the structure for an open SME ecosystem that can grow quickly,” explains Henrik A. Schunk. "We are delighted to have gained Schwarz Digits as a strong partner and shareholder for the initiative. This allows us to combine the interests of industrial companies with the dynamism and expertise of a leading digital provider. The fact that we can rely on a local partner is a significant strategic advantage in view of the current global political situation - especially with regard to a sovereign and secure digital infrastructure." Bernd Wagner, Divisional Director Schwarz Digits Sales and CEO STACKIT, adds: "As a digital and infrastructure partner from Germany, strengthening the digital sovereignty of SMEs is a key concern for us. 'Next Level Mittelstand' brings together exactly the right players to drive forward practical digitalization - collaboratively, securely and at eye level."

Practical digitalization solutions
“Next Level Mittelstand” is a central point of contact that promotes the development of practical digitalization solutions. Companies can use the platform to exchange ideas, exploit synergies and develop and implement individual strategies together with start-ups and IT experts. Participation is worthwhile: the jointly developed results are evaluated and validated by “Next Level Mittelstand” and then made available to all members. This not only addresses the specific challenges of SMEs, but also creates a digital basis for participating in future shared data spaces in the industry.

Network welcomes new members at any time
New members are always welcome to drive the initiative forward. In addition to companies, IT service providers, software developers, start-ups and venture capital investors should also be able to play an active role.