From 26-29 February 2024, Barcelona will host the Mobile World Congress (MWC). In the run-up to the event, we had a conversation with Dr. Bettina Horster, Board Member at VIVAI Software AG and Head of the IoT Competence Group at eco Association. She shared her expectations for the trade fair and discussed the trends in the Internet of Things (IoT) sector that will have a lasting impact on the industry in the future.
The Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona has become one of the leading trade fairs in the Internet of Things (IoT) sector. What are the key trends that the MWC addresses and that will shape the industry in the coming years?
Dr Bettina Horster:
- Artificial intelligence: Companies that extract important insights from IoT data, such as videos, images, voice, network activities or sensor data, will achieve long-term success.
- Improved and novel sensors: The IoT’s future relies on more sophisticated and cost-effective sensors.
- Emerging IoT Business Models: New business models for IoT are increasingly essential for maximising IoT potential in the years ahead.
- Societal, legal and ethical implications of IoT: As IoT becomes more mature and broader, the social, legal and ethical aspects surrounding the topic are also gaining importance. These include topics such as data protection and compliance with regulations such as GDPR.
- New wireless transmission technologies: New wireless transmission technologies such as 5G will drive the IoT forward in the coming years.
- IoT governance: The governance of IoT will become increasingly crucial in the coming years to ensure the security and reliability of IoT systems.
In 2024, the eco Association will once again be part of the NRW joint stand at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona – hosted by NRW.Global Business. For over a decade, the state of NRW has been an active participant at MWC Barcelona, providing companies from NRW with the opportunity to showcase their technologies and products to an international trade audience. As the state representative, whom would you recommend as an exhibitor at the NRW joint stand?
Dr Bettina Horster: The MWC is one of the few IT events in Europe that has a global appeal. While in the past, it primarily centered around topics related to mobile communications, today, the MWC is highly focused on solutions within various industries. The NRW stand at the MWC caters to everyone, whether you are seeking new contacts, information, or the opportunity to present yourself.
- Networking: The MWC attracts thousands of IT professionals every year. you can discover new contacts on the stand, during the events, and among NRW companies
- Presentation of new products: The location is excellent. No one can overlook the NRW stand at the MWC.
- Industry trends: The MWC offers insights into the latest trends and developments across various industries. Topics such as sustainability, fintech, energy, mobility or healthcare are comprehensively covered.
- Conferences and presentations: The MWC offers a wide array of conferences, panel discussions and presentations. By participating in the NRW stand, you can engage in numerous exciting events.
- Visibility: The NRW stand provides exceptional visibility. It offers an ideal setting to showcase your products to a global audience.
- Business opportunities: The MWC can create business opportunities by connecting companies with potential partners, investors, or customers.
What can visitors expect from the MWC and in particular from the NRW joint stand?
Dr Bettina Horster: The NRW stand makes it possible for everyone – whether small or already larger – to present themselves on the big MWC stage. This is great cinema. It’s an all-inclusive solution The visibility is excellent, and the services provided by NRW.Global are simply outstanding. You only need to travel there – the rest is already prepared.
From your personal perspective: Which speakers, guided tours, keynotes, or impulses are you most looking forward to at the MWC?
Dr Bettina Horster: I’m not specifically anticipating particular speakers or tours. Instead, I look forward to making new contacts and getting to know new companies. I research in advance which companies will be present and then attend. Of course, it’s always nice to meet colleagues I don’t usually see. It’s truly wonderful to see familiar faces again.
Thank you very much for the interview, Dr Horster.
