Building bridges for the future: SHK industry meeting in Regensburg successful!

Building bridges for the future: SHK industry meeting in Regensburg successful!

On July 13, 2025, an important 5-country meeting of the European plumbing, heating and air conditioning (SHK) industry took place in Regensburg, to which participants from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg and South Tyrol traveled. A diverse exchange was initiated under the guiding theme of “Bridges and Paths”. The aim of the event was not only to discuss current challenges, but also to promote international exchange and provide new impulses. Harald Kraler, chairman of the heating, ventilation and sanitary technicians at lvh, represented South Tyrol and made it clear how important this format is for the industry.

The start of the meeting was characterized by cultural impressions and a city tour of Regensburg, which brought the participants closer to the city. The conference itself dealt with topics that are currently affecting the industry. Among other things, the economic situation of the relevant sectors in the participating countries, strategies for securing skilled workers as well as technical standards and digital developments, such as the use of AI in examination processes, were discussed. A central concern was also the energy transition and climate protection.

Innovation and securing skilled workers

“The attractiveness of HLS careers for young people is very popular,” stated Kraler. The high need for well-trained specialists in the industry was discussed in numerous discussions. Therefore, various youth campaigns and the networking between training, company and association work were presented. Representatives from the individual countries reported on national funding strategies and political framework conditions. The focus on innovation projects shows the need to adapt to the challenges of the future.

In this context, it should not be forgotten that the meeting is also related to the larger goals of the EU industrial policy. This aims to increase the competitiveness of European industry while promoting sustainable growth and employment. The European Commission has set itself the goal of strengthening Europe's technological leadership and reducing dependence on fossil fuels with new partnerships in the areas of advanced materials, textiles and photovoltaics. As the European Commission emphasizes, investments totaling 520 million euros are planned for these goals by 2030.

A look into the future

The discussions in Regensburg also showed how important it is to promote a business-friendly environment. This particularly affects small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which often form the basis of the European economy. In a constantly changing market, collaboration between companies is crucial to maximize the industrial potential for innovation and technological development. Against this background, the EU's industrial policy has become increasingly important, especially for adapting to structural changes such as digital change and the CO2-neutral economy.

In conclusion, it can be said that the 5-country meeting in Regensburg was not only a meeting point for the exchange of specialist knowledge, but also an important step towards sustainable and innovative industry development. The next meeting is already planned for 2026 in a new host country, which once again underlines the dynamism and cohesion of the European SHK industry.