The second SCALE-MX Software Provider Dialogue, held in cooperation with the VDMA e.V. on February 10, 2026, at the VDMA headquarters in Frankfurt am Main, clearly demonstrated that trust-based data ecosystems within the Manufacturing-X framework are already becoming a reality. Presentations from industry, associations, and software providers highlighted how use cases in industrial data ecosystems are already being implemented today within the framework of Manufacturing-X. They demonstrated how practical collaboration and data exchange can work and how the transition from pilot projects to widespread application can be successfully achieved. 

The dialogue focused on the secure and efficient exchange of data along industrial value chains. It became clear that trust, clear governance structures, and interoperable architectures are key prerequisites for participation in scalable data spaces. 

The keynote presentation by Smart Systems Hub demonstrated how companies can successfully implement concrete use cases using a structured quick-start approach. Practical examples, such as the Sphin-X e. V. data ecosystem in the healthcare industry and supplier integration to create an end-to-end digital data chain at BASF, were presented and discussed. The production integration through to application in device management at Hilscher illustrated how data ecosystems are used, which standards they employ, and where the success factors and challenges lie. Presentations on the qualification of software solutions for data rooms highlighted that today’s technologies are increasingly integrated with data rooms. 

Key takeaway from the event: Manufacturing-X is now being applied in real-world scenarios with concrete use cases. The technologies are ready! The task now is to make decisions and move forward with implementation in order to realize tangible benefits from data ecosystems.