Which fields of technology and which socio-cultural trends will be important for automation technology in the coming years? What solutions can automation, measurement and control technology contribute to social tasks? Where are the markets of the future and what new requirements will they create for automation technology?

With these questions in mind, the IZT developed a Roadmap 2015+ for automation technology on behalf of the German Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers' Association (ZVEI). In addition to identifying technical trends at an early stage, it was able to highlight development prospects in the context of socio-economic trends and identify technological answers and solutions to meet social needs.

The project was launched in June 2005. The results were presented at the general meeting of the Automation Association in September 2006.

The collaboration was so successful that the ZVEI commissioned further integrated roadmaps from the IZT in the following years.