Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO

The Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO is a renowned institution of the Fraunhofer Society, specializing in applied research and development in the fields of engineering, computer science, economics, and social sciences. With its headquarters in Stuttgart and additional locations in Heilbronn, Berlin, and Munich, the institute works closely with companies, institutions, and the public sector to develop forward-looking solutions.

The Fraunhofer IAO focuses on several central research areas:

• Holistic approaches to work and organizational design as well as corporate and leadership cultures.
• Pioneering solutions for the interaction between humans and technology, including the application of virtual and augmented reality.
• Development and implementation of innovation and technology strategies, with a focus on cognitive systems and artificial intelligence.
• Digitalization and future-proof IT solutions, such as the use of Cognitive Computing, Blockchain, and IoT platforms.
• Sustainable solutions for the mobility of the future and system-innovative approaches for livable and adaptable cities[3][5].

The main mission of the Fraunhofer IAO is to systematically optimize the interplay between humans, organizations, and technology. The institute supports companies in recognizing and efficiently utilizing the potentials of innovative organizational forms and forward-looking technologies. The human being is at the center of all activities, ensuring that economic success, employee interests, and societal impacts are equally considered[2][5].

The Fraunhofer IAO is committed to sustainable solutions that consider economic, societal, and ecological aspects. The sustainability goals include:

• Sustainable mobility: Development of future-proof mobility solutions.
• System innovations for livable cities: Creating livable and adaptable urban environments.
• Digital transformation: Modern and revolutionary approaches to the digitalization of processes and business models to ensure long-term sustainability[3][5].

The Fraunhofer IAO works in interdisciplinary teams consisting of scientists and experts from the fields of business science, economics, computer science, engineering, and social sciences. These teams collaborate closely with the Institute for Work Science and Technology Management (IAT) at the University of Stuttgart, as well as with other universities and research institutions. This close cooperation enables the connection of university basic research, application-oriented science, and economic practice[1][5].

The Fraunhofer IAO is a central player in applied research and development, contributing to the sustainable shaping of the future of work and society through its innovative approaches and interdisciplinary research teams. With a focus on humans, organizations, and technology, and a strong orientation towards sustainability and social impacts, the institute makes a significant contribution to strengthening the competitiveness of companies and addressing societal challenges.

• 1 - https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fraunhofer-Institut_f%C3%BCr_Arbeitswirtschaft_und_Organisation
• 2 - https://www.cerri.iao.fraunhofer.de/de/ueber-uns/fraunhofer-iao.html
• 3 - https://www.bioregio-stern.de/de/datenbank/unternehmen/fraunhofer-institut-fuer-arbeitswirtschaft-und-organisation-iao
• 4 - https://www.iao.fraunhofer.de/de/ueber-uns/fraunhofer-iao/fraunhofer-gesellschaft.html
• 5 - https://www.iao.fraunhofer.de/en/about-us/fraunhofer-iao.html