Ferdinand von Steinbeis (1807-1893)
Pioneer in technology transferFerdinand von Steinbeis is posthumously considered the father of vocational training in Württemberg. He founded trade schools throughout the state, including the weaving schools in Blaubeuren (1852) and Reutlingen (1855). Steinbeis consistently advocated for a dual-track education. He believed that only the combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills could produce the skilled industrial workforce of the future. As head of the Central Office for Trade and Industry, Steinbeis developed concepts as early as the mid-19th century for the practice-oriented technology transfer that was implemented long after his time.
Ferdinand von Steinbeis was born on May 5, 1807, in Ölbronn near Maulbronn, the son of a pastor. At the age of 14, he began an apprenticeship at the ironworks in Wasseralfingen. Three years later, he began studying natural sciences at the University of Tübingen.
At the age of 20, Ferdinand von Steinbeis was awarded his doctorate for a competition dissertation on glassmaking. In the same year, he took up his first position as "iron clerk" at the Royal Württemberg Ironworks in Ludwigstal near Tuttlingen. In 1831, he was appointed head of the princely ironworks by Prince Karl Egon von Fürstenberg.
The industrial workforce of the future will need theoretical knowledge coupled with practical skills.
Ferdinand von Steinbeis
In 1842, he assumed the position of General Director at the Stumm family's ironworks in Neunkirchen. During this time, Steinbeis also promoted the training of the staff under his supervision. To counteract the constant threat of skilled workers leaving the company, he focused on introducing a social welfare system for the factory: this included a relief fund for needy employees, a disability fund for journeymen unable to work, a company doctor, a company canteen, and financial assistance for purchasing home ownership.
In 1848, the "Central Office for Trade and Commerce" was founded, dedicated to promoting industry, and Steinbeis became its Technical Advisor. He was granted the title and rank of Government Councilor. In 1855, he became its Director, and later its President.
In 1878, he was strongly condemned by the entire Chamber of Deputies for opposing the introduction of protective tariffs. As a result, he gradually withdrew from all public duties. His request for retirement was approved in July 1880.
Ferdinand von Steinbeis died on February 7, 1893, in Leipzig and was buried in Ulm.
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In time-lapse
1807
Born in Ölbronn, his father was a pastor, his mother a sister of the poet Justinus Kerner. He showed an early interest in technology and little inclination to pursue the (predestined) pastoral profession.
1821-24
Apprenticeship in metallurgy in Wasseralfingen and Abtsgmünd
1824-26
"Mining Candidate Steinbeis" audited courses in Tübingen (chemistry, physics); he completed his university entrance examination and passed the entrance exam for university admission.
1826
"Mining Cadet Steinbeis" received a salary of 200 guilders and permission to complete his studies (in mathematics, physics, chemistry, mechanics, civil engineering, forestry, and public administration).
1827
Doctor of Philosophy
1827-31
"Ironworks Clerk" at the Princely Fürstenberg Ironworks in Ludwigstal
1831-42
"Chief Ironworks Manager"
1842-48
Director of the Stumm Works in Neunkirchen/Saar
1845-46
Establishment of the first German rail rolling mill
1848
"Technical Advisor" to the newly founded "Central Office for Trade and Commerce" in Stuttgart (later President). Steinbeis proposes a reform of the banking system and publishes the first "Trade Journal from Württemberg" under his editorship; trip to the Trade Exhibition in Paris, establishment of the Central Office's "Model Warehouse."
1850
Travel to the Industrial Exhibition in Leipzig
1851
Establishment of a "Collection of Teaching Materials" and commencement of the collection of plaster and wooden models for the sample depot. First World's Fair in London.
1852
Foundation of a "Weaving School" in Blaubeuren. Establishment of a "Library for all areas of the fine arts" at the Central Office.
1853
Foundation of the "Württemberg Trading Company" in Stuttgart.
1854
Foundation of a "Weaving School" in Stuttgart; "Chambers of Commerce and Industry" are established at Steinbeis's instigation in Heilbronn, Reutlingen, Stuttgart, and Ulm.
1855
Foundation of a "Weaving School" in Reutlingen (later the "Technical College"). Second World's Fair in Paris.
1856
King Wilhelm I grants Steinbeis personal nobility. First state exhibition of industrial products in conjunction with the annual Agricultural Festival in Cannstatt. Steinbeis becomes director of the Central Office.
1858
The exhibition during the Cannstatt Folk Festival becomes the "Progress Exhibition."
1860
Establishment of a "trade fair" in Stuttgart's Königsbau at Steinbeis's instigation.
1861
Opening of the "Department for Girls" at the Stuttgart Vocational Training School.
1862
Introduction of freedom of trade in Württemberg.
1865
Steinbeis becomes president of the Central Office. Establishment of a plaster foundry and a wood model turning workshop for the sample depot.
1867
World's Fair in Paris (Steinbeis is a member of the jury)
1868/69
Establishment of the "Steinbeis Foundation" by men of Württemberg industry in gratitude for the work of Steinbeis and the Central Office. Founding of a "Women's Vocational School" in Reutlingen.
1869
Steinbeis participates in the inauguration of the Suez Canal as a "distinguished representative of economic life." Construction of the caloric force gauge for Julius Robert Mayer.
1871
Establishment of a Württemberg central bank. With the founding of the German Empire, the Central Office loses some of its previous responsibilities, which are assumed by the Imperial government: participation in international exhibitions, patent matters, customs and trade legislation. The industrial exhibition in Ulm brings the Central Office its widest possible impact. Honorary citizenship is conferred upon Steinbeis by the city of Ulm in gratitude.
1878
Steinbeis's statement against Bismarck's protectionist tariff policy leads to attacks in the Chamber of Deputies.
1880
Submission of his pension application; relocation to Leipzig
1881
Württemberg State Trade Exhibition in Stuttgart
1893
Death on February 7 in Leipzig
(Source: Haus der Wirtschaft, Stuttgart)