For more than 100 years, the abbreviation VDE stood for “Verband Deutscher Elektrotechniker” (Association of German Electrical Engineers). In 1998, a decision was made to retain the abbreviation but to change the name to the “Association for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies.” The aim was to show that VDE now covered a much broader range of topics than traditional electrical engineering. Less remarked on at the time was that the association was also quietly saying goodbye to the “German” part of its name – and not without reason. Although VDE has remained a German “registered association,” it was by then becoming a globally active, internationally connected organization. “I know of no other German associations as internationally established as we are,” says Ansgar Hinz, Chairman of the VDE Group. “This applies above all to the multifaceted “business” area of VDE, but also to our traditional association activities.”
It starts with the scientific societies within VDE, which have long since ceased to operate on a national level alone. One example is the Society for Energy Technology within VDE (VDE ETG). Its members are involved in international standardization committees of the International Electrotechnical Commission IEC, where they shape global standards for the energy infrastructure of the future – from smart distribution networks to rail transportation. Specialist events such as the ETG Congress attract participants from across Europe and beyond. Meanwhile, collaborations with research institutions and companies as part of EU funding programs such as Horizon Europe further raise the international profile. With the “International Conference on Integrated Power Electronics Systems” (CIPS), VDE has also established an internationally recognized flagship conference in the field of power electronics. “Here, experts not only discuss the latest technologies,” says ETG Managing Director Dr. Ralf Petri, “they also strengthen knowledge sharing and networking across national borders.” That makes ETG an integral member of the international energy technology community, building bridges between specialists, markets and visions.
VDE also builds bridges across national borders via EUREL, the umbrella organization of the European associations for electrical engineering, electronics and information technology founded in 1972. This is particularly true for young engineers, who are represented in EUREL by the Young Engineers Panel (YEP). As a founding member, VDE has been committed from the outset to enabling young engineers to look beyond their national horizons. EUREL events such as the European Future Technology Summit, multi-day excursions to EUREL member countries and European innovation competitions promote professional exchange and intercultural skills as well as personal networks – an important basis for cooperation and friendship in Europe. “EUREL is about providing a platform where innovation meets opportunity and empowers the next generation of engineers to tackle and solve future technological challenges. YEP is not just a EUREL program, it’s a human movement towards a technologically advanced and sustainable future,” explains Markus B. Jaeger, Global Head of Political Affairs at VDE and Chairman of the EUREL Board of Directors since 2019.
“We’re not just opening an office, we’re building a bridge,” said Florian Spiteller (2nd from left), member of the DKE management board at the inauguration of the new office in Nanjing, China, on April 16, 2025.
| IEC Promotion Center (Nanjing)
