SmartFactory-KL, a research network in Germany, informed in a press note that, they will cease its presence on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), effective January 1, 2024. As per the press note the decision reflects the organization’s commitment to responsible science and factual information, in contrast to the misinformation and polarizing content associated with the platform.
SmartFactory-KL (SF-KL), a prominent research and industry network focused on Industrie 4.0, shared production, operational safety intelligence, and data rooms, has taken a principled decision to discontinue its presence on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). SmartFactory-KL’s communications will now focus on LinkedIn, a platform that fosters constructive discussions based on evidence-based research. The institution aims to promote transparency, reliability, and accuracy in its information sharing.
For over six years, SmartFactory-KL actively engaged with a community of shared interests and contributors who explored various facets of Industrie 4.0 and digital transformation via the account @SmartFactoryKL. However, Dr. Ingo Herbst, head of communications at SF-KL, explained, “To remain on X would mean giving our tacit support to comments and tendencies that we do not share. SF-KL is committed to responsible science and facts, and the misinformation and confrontational nature of X no longer align with our principles.”
Martin Ruskowski, chairman of the management board of SmartFactory-KL, shared his perspective, stating, “X is increasingly irrelevant to us. The access figures for X are steadily sinking, and our network tends to use LinkedIn, where objective and constructive communication is more prevalent.”
The decision to leave X reflects SF-KL‘s core values of accuracy, scientific rigor, and evidence-based findings. As a research institution involved in supervising PhD dissertations and developing advanced manufacturing solutions, SF-KL is dedicated to transparent and reliable information sharing. In contrast, Dr. Elon Musk, owner of X, has been criticized for disseminating unverified information and promoting polarizing ideologies. SF-KL finds this environment unproductive and is keen to distance itself from such practices.
SmartFactory-KL is a research and industry network based in Kaiserslautern, Germany, and now focus on LinkedIn for sharing their information. Comprising the non-profit association, Technologie-Initiative SmartFactory KL (SF-KL), and two scientific research institutes, SF-KL focuses on the development and implementation of future production concepts for Industrie 4.0. The organization provides a realistic factory environment for stakeholders from industry and research to jointly test innovative production technologies and advance the factories of the future.
