The lighthouse for experimentation and networking in the context of data-based value creation
When it comes to the many benefits of data-based value creation, decision-makers at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) want simple and transparent processes to make the existing data pool usable — and as pragmatic as possible. A lack of objectives and the assumption that it will take a lot of time still prevent many companies from analyzing their data and adapting processes.
That’s why we advise SMEs to “EXPLORE YOUR DATA!”. Our DataLab WestSax offered you the necessary space to try things out and provided you with experts and tools. During the project, our corporate partners were able to benefit from our many years of research and development experience and work with us to carry out their own real-life experiments, which revealed their potential in the area of data-based value creation.
Important information:
DataLab WestSax research project was successfully completed in April 2025 and is no longer accepting new real-world experiments. However, the physical space of the DataLab at the West Saxon University of Applied Sciences Zwickau will remain and continues to offer potential for future creative and innovative activities.
Data.Knowledge(s)Value.
Project teaser DataLab Westsax
DATALAB WESTSAX sees itself as a mobile, hybrid real-world laboratory for digital transformation. Over the course of the project, SMEs in the West Saxony region were given the opportunity to develop knowledge about data-based value creation and benefit from the many years of research and development experience of the two project partners (Fraunhofer Center for International Management and Knowledge Economy (IMW) and West Saxon University of Applied Sciences Zwickau). This film was first presented on 01.09.2022 at the simul⁺ Future Forum in Radebeul.
Support
This measure was co-financed with tax funds on the basis of the budget approved by the Saxon state parliament.
The Saxon State Ministry for Infrastructure and Regional Development (SMIL) supported the project as part of the simul⁺InnovationsHub.
Our research partners
Fraunhofer IMW (Leipzig)
The Fraunhofer Center for International Management and Knowledge Economy (IMW) was an established research institute for applied socio-economic research in Leipzig with an external location in Halle/Saale. It was closed as an independent institute of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft on March 31, 2025. The scientists at Fraunhofer IMW researched and developed strategies, structures, processes and instruments:
- for the transfer of knowledge and technologies between organizations,
- the transformation of knowledge into innovation and
- understanding and shaping the associated framework conditions.
Westsächsische Hochschule Zwickau
The “Westsächsische Hochschule Zwickau” is one of the strongest research universities for applied science and is very networked in the region with its numerous partnerships. Our goals are excellent and interdisciplinary research in the areas of:
- linking people and technology
- scientifically based solution of practical problems
- targeted dissemination of research results for knowledge and technology transfer.
Our motivation
Value creation increasingly based on logic of data use and networking
Companies, especially SMEs, often lack concrete data use and implementation ideas
Other barriers include a lack of resources and a lack of trust in digital solutions
Unused value creation potential despite already existing or accumulating data
Our services
Simul+- real experiments
Digital laboratory
Workshops
Our partners
