With the motto "Infrastructure package meets reality – we are building digitally," the twelfth "Planning and Building Infrastructure Digitally 4.0" congress at THM was once again a leading forum for digital transformation in infrastructure construction. Experts from research, administration, and practice met for the event in the Giessen Congress Hall.
Organizer Katja Däumer from the Department of Civil Engineering at the Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen (THM) registered a total of 330 participants, of whom about two-thirds attended in person, while the remainder participated via livestream. The audience ranged from managing directors and department heads to project and planning managers, as well as experts from Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands – a clear indication that the discussion surrounding digital planning and construction has broad appeal beyond regional borders. Particularly positive was the fact that, despite many familiar faces, numerous new participants were welcomed.
The program featured high-level presentations and practical examples on the implementation of the infrastructure package, data interoperability, digital inventory models, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and geographic information systems (GIS) – topics demonstrating that "building with data" is no longer a future promise, but rather an everyday reality. The event was opened by Dr. Katja Hüske of DB InfraGO on the first day of the congress, followed on the next day by THMVice President Prof. Dirk Metzger and – via video message – Christian Hirte, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Transport.
A highlight, in addition to a session on georeferencing that brought together many technical aspects, was a panel discussion on investments through the special fund. "I am not aware of a single project in the past 35 years that has failed due to a lack of capacity," emphasized Dr. Matthias Jacob, Vice President of Building Construction at the German Construction Industry Federation. The sector employs around one million people and has added over 200,000 new workers in the last ten years. "We currently have a capacity utilization of about 70 percent – that means 30 percent reserve. If the announced investments actually materialize, we can easily manage this – provided the framework conditions are right." He explicitly included small and medium-sized construction companies in this promise: "Many SMEs are extremely innovative in their field and utilize digitalization where it offers them genuine added value." Larger contract packages are not a risk for SMEs, but can create opportunities: "Anyone who believes that general contractors do everything themselves is mistaken. SMEs remain a key partner in the construction value chain." Regardless of company size, streamlined processes and reliable political signals are crucial for successful business operations: “We need reliability, not a yo-yo effect. Once skilled workers leave the industry, they don't come back. Only with stability can innovation and investment be fostered – and the construction industry is ready for that.”
The congress was initiated and hosted by Dean Prof. Dr.-Ing. Joaquín Díaz; the program brought together a "who's who" of digital infrastructure. The list of speakers reflected the breadth of expertise: academia, government agencies, and industry representatives discussed the topics on equal footing. Premium partners of the event were Autodesk, RIB Software, and Esri Germany, who contributed their perspectives and provided valuable technical and strategic insights.
Organizationally, THM once again prioritized openness: Students from all universities could book free online tickets, DB Training included the congress in its booking tool, and the optional conference dinner at the Heyligenstaedt restaurant attracted 170 guests—a sign of networking that takes place not through presentation slides, but around the table. Praise came from all quarters: Speakers, participants, and partners highlighted the practical exchange and high level of expertise. The Hessian Chamber of Engineers and the Hessian Chamber of Architects and Urban Planners awarded Further education points.
THM's conclusion: The congress "Planning and Building Digital Infrastructure 4.0" is, even in its twelfth year, a growing event with practical relevance and fresh impetus for the implementation of digital infrastructure transformation.
