Ferdinand Steinbeis Institute Heilbronn

The Ferdinand Steinbeis Institute Heilbronn (FSTI HN) is a transfer-oriented research institute operating under the umbrella of the Ferdinand Steinbeis Gesellschaft, with a focus on digitalisation and business models within ecosystems. Based on the education campus in Heilbronn, the FSTI HN carries out interdisciplinary and collaborative research projects together with a wide range of partners, with the aim of developing concrete solutions for business and society. Against this backdrop, the FSTI HN drives the cross-sector implementation of digital transformation in companies based on the proven micro-testbed methodology. The cooperation models between academia and industry emerging in this context are supported by scientific research – the resulting methods, concepts and recommendations for action create added value for the region. As a member of the Industrial IoT Consortium (IIC), the FSTI has insight into international standards, success factors and developments, which it incorporates into regional value-added networks where appropriate. The activities of FSTI HN at the Heilbronn Education Campus are funded by the Dieter Schwarz Foundation.

Steinbeis Transfer Magazine

• Why some businesses last for generations – and others do not (Transfer 1/2026)
  The Ferdinand Steinbeis Institute analyses tried-and-tested formulas for sustainable business
• “It’s knowledge that makes the difference – not the data itself” (Transfer 3/2025)
  How digital twins enable new business models and cooperation among equal partners
• Creating (added) value by sharing data (Transfer 3/2025)
  How SMEs can benefit from secure data exchange
• Shaping our digital future together by combining research and practice (Transfer 1/2025)
  Ulm University and the Ferdinand-Steinbeis-Institute’s new Graduate School is supporting businesses with the digital transformation.
• Welcome to the latest issue of TRANSFER. (Transfer 2/2024)
  
• Regiobiomatch: Delicious, sustainably grown food (Transfer 2/2024)
  
• Modern transportation driven by artificial intelligence (Transfer 2/2024)
  The Ferdinand Steinbeis Institute builds a collaborative data space with Düsseldorf Airport
• Digital Transformation – an Opportunity for Mittelstand Enterprises (Transfer 2/2023)
  The Ferdinand Steinbeis Institute introduces SMEs to new business models and working in ecosystems
• Education Requires an Enthusiasm for Technology (Transfer 2/2023)
  The Interaktivrat of the #techourfuture initiative concludes its work
• Bread and Data – Regional Value Creation Meets Digitalization (Transfer 1/2023)
  Steinbeis experts create inter-company cooperative data rooms for enhanced transparency at all stages of the supply chain
• No Progress Without Innovative Risk Management (Transfer 3/2022)
  Managing risk using the internet of things and artificial intelligence
• More Sustainable Housing Thanks to the Smart Tenant Challenge (Transfer 1/2022)
  Ferdinand Steinbeis Institute in Heilbronn initiates network to work on energy-conscious living
• A Decisive Factor: Trust (Transfer 3/2020)
  The Digital Trust Forum fosters trust in digital solutions used with physical assets
• A Hydrogen Ecosystem for the Heilbronn-Franconia Region – Made Possible by the H2 Innovation Lab (Transfer 2/2020)
  Steinbeis experts conduct joint research into the potential of the hydrogen industry
• This is the education campus calling: the power of digital transformation in Heilbronn (Transfer 3/2019)
  The Ferdinand-Steinbeis-Gesellschaft (FSG), itself part of the Steinbeis Foundation, sets up an office with another Ferdinand-Steinbeis-Institute in Heilbronn

Steinbeis-Edition

• Hiller, Simon (2025): "Entwicklung eines Organisationsmodells zur Gestaltung von Additive Manufacturing Wertschöpfungsökosystemen"

Videos

• Steinbeis Lunchbreak | Grab a bite with Sven Kurrle (German version) (2023)
  Sven Kurrle explains the potential of blockchain technology for secure, transparent, and immutable digital transactions. The focus is on smart contracts, digital business models, and blockchain-based data ecosystems. This transfer of expertise supports companies in identifying blockchain use cases and unlocking new opportunities for value creation.
• Steinbeis Lunchbreak | Grab a bite with Maximilian Werling and Patrick Weber (2021)
  Maximilian Werling and Patrick Weber demonstrate how data cooperatives and collaborative data spaces are opening up new avenues of digital value creation for small and medium-sized enterprises. The secure exchange of status data gives rise to innovative services without compromising data sovereignty. The project provides a practical blueprint for the commercial transfer of digital business models.
• Steinbeis Lunchbreak | Grab a bite with Dr. Daniel Werth (German version) (2021)
  Using the H2 Innovation Lab as an example, Daniel Wert explains how hydrogen ecosystems emerge. The focus is on value-creation networks, collaborations and the societal acceptance of hydrogen. This entrepreneurial transfer links research, businesses and regions to enable new applications, business models and sustainable value creation.
• 3 questions for Dr. Marlene Gottwald (German version) (2021)
  Marlene Gottwald demonstrates how science communication strengthens society’s engagement with future technologies. The project illustrates that clear information and participatory dialogue help to dispel reservations, promote technological literacy and enable the commercial transfer of innovations in line with society’s needs.