OE-A has an extensive, international network and is working together with various partners from around the world in order to strengthen the position of the printed electronics industry
Collaborations within VDMA
OE-A is a VDMA Working Group 
OE-A is a working group within VDMA – the Machinery and Equipment Manufacturers Association – located in Frankfurt, Germany.
VDMA represents more than 3,400, mostly medium-sized, companies in the capital goods industry, making it the largest industry association in Europe. VDMA is divided into 15 cross-sector departments, with branch offices in Berlin and Brussels, liaison offices in Brazil, China, India, Japan and Russia, 38 trade associations and working groups, international committees and forums, six state associations and numerous service organizations.
In order to strengthen synergies within VDMA and promote the exchange of knowledge, the OE-A works together with other VDMA associations and working groups on specific topics. These partner associations provide their member companies, many of which are business partners of the organic and printed electronics industry, with industry-specific expertise. This not only ensures the best service for our members, but also enables and supports the (further) development of new ideas, technologies and partnerships.
ESB – Electronics, Solar and Battery Production
OE-A is assigned to the VDMA sector association ESB (Electronics, Solar Battery Production), which also includes the sector and interest groups Productronic, Micro Technologies, Photovoltaic Equipment and Battery Production.
DUP – Printing & Paper Technology
The VDMA sector association DUP (Printing and Paper Technology) is the voice of the manufacturers of machinery and systems for prepress, printing and post-print processes, paper production and paper converting as well as components and devices.
AM – Additive Manufacturing
The VDMA working group AM (Additive Manufacturing) offers its members from industry and scientific research a variety of services related to industrial 3D printing technologies.
NUV – Food Processing & Packaging Machinery
The VDMA sector association NUV (Food Processing & Packaging Machinery) represents a very heterogenous industry and has therefore a broad, manifold product portfolio.
TXM – Textile Machinery
The main activities of the VDMA sector association TXM (Textile Machinery) are economic and technical representation of the branch’s interests, exchange of experiences as well as market information and active support regarding political decisions.
Future Business & Start-up Machine
The VDMA competence center Future Business aims to recognize trends and disruptions at an early stage in order to secure the future for our industry as well as support the strategic development of new business segments.
The VDMA Startup Machine is an initiative that recognizes the value of start-ups as they turn trends into new technologies and products which are interesting for the machinery industry. Both sides are being brought together – matchmaking with relevance.
Photonics Forum
The Photonics Forum represents the diversity and breadth of the VDMA “all about the medium of light” on a theme-oriented platform: it bundles and networks the competencies and know-how of six VDMA branches and promotes synergies for the benefit of its members through cross-technology and cross-industry exchange. As the central point of contact for the sectors, the Photonics Forum is committed to a strong positioning of the key photonics technology.
Collaboration partners
Messe München
OE-A is organizing its annual flagship event LOPEC together with Messe München. With more than 50 trade fairs in their portfolio for industrial goods, consumer goods, and new technologies, Messe München offers global trade fair competence in a wide variety of branches.
Munich, Germany, is a location with exceptional infrastructure for international trade fairs. This metropolis is home to global players, mid-sized firms and countless high-tech companies.
European Commission
OE-A cooperates with a number of national and regional printed electronics associations around the world as well as institutions such as the European Commission. Through these collaborations, OE-A actively supports the further development of the printed electronics technology as well as offering various new business opportunities for its members.
TC 119 – Printed Electronics
Standardization and the implementation of international standards is a key topic for the successful and sustainable development of an industry. Therefore OE-A actively supports the development of international standards for the flexible and printed electronics industry.
The standardization work is organized by IEC – International Electrotechnical Commission, the world’s leading organization for the preparation and publication of international standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies. A dedicated Technical Committee 119 – Printed Electronics has been established back in 2012. The OE-A is one of the initiators of TC 119 and is a official liaison partner of TC119.
OE-A and IEC TC 119 are in regular exchange. We organized a joint web seminar “Navigating the standards landscape for Flexible and Printed Electronics” on October 12th, 2023. Details are available on my.OE-A.
Get involved in the international standardization by joining IEC-TC 119 or the respective national mirror committee in your country.
Human AugmentatioN via Dexterity Engineering Research Center (HAND ERC)
Hand ERC’s vision is to democratize robotic manipulation—making it intelligent, dexterous, and accessible to all. HAND develops robot hands powered by AI skills and intuitive interfaces, enabling firms of every size to benefit, supporting workers, and contributing to resilient, low-carbon supply chains.