Seventy years of FHI: collaboration as the key to technological progress

In 2026, FHI, the federation of technology sectors, celebrates its 70th anniversary. What began in 1956 with 41 companies jointly organizing a trade fair has grown into the largest industrial technology platform in the Benelux. Seven decades later, the core remains unchanged: collaboration is the engine of innovation and economic progress.

On September 26, 1956, the RAI opened its doors for the first edition of Het Instrument, the predecessor of the current trade fair WoTS (World of Industry, Technology & Science). The initiators already understood back then that a joint approach to the market creates more impact than individual efforts.

Today, in an era of digitalization and artificial intelligence, information seems to be available everywhere. Yet, precisely because of this, the need for interpretation, application, and collaboration is growing. “Information is available everywhere, but solutions only emerge when knowledge, experience, and collaboration come together,” says Dirk Stans, Chairman of FHI.

Information is abundant, solutions are scarce.
The technology sector is evolving rapidly. Systems are increasingly integrating, value chains are spreading internationally, and disciplines are merging. Only a limited number of organizations can manage this complexity independently. Most companies seek partners who understand not only what is possible, but, above all, what works in practice.

That is where the enduring relevance of initiatives like WoTS lies. Trade fairs bring companies together around concrete issues and solutions. They create an environment in which ideas develop into feasible projects more quickly. “A trade fair is not about information,” says Stans. “It is about insight, application, and trust. You arrive with one question and leave with multiple solutions.”

AI strengthens collaboration, but does not replace it
The rise of AI is also fundamentally changing the sector. However, according to FHI, the real value lies not in the technology itself, but in how companies deploy it. The PI–AI–PI (Personal Intelligence – Artificial Intelligence – Personal Intelligence) approach summarizes this: companies first determine their own context and objectives, then deploy AI as a tool, and subsequently critically evaluate the results. This final step once again requires expertise and collaboration. Technology is accelerating, but human insight remains essential.

Stronger together in a complex world
Today, FHI represents more than 600 companies in four technology sectors: Industrial Automation, Industrial Electronics, Building Automation, and Laboratory Technology. These sectors face similar challenges: digitalization, sustainability, labor market shortages, and international competition.

“Our members make a difference by sharing knowledge and collaborating,” says Director Andreas Meijer. “Within FHI, an ecosystem is emerging in which technology develops faster and companies strengthen each other.” With approximately 100 meetings, workshops, and events per year, FHI facilitates knowledge sharing and collaboration across sector boundaries.

Collaboration is not an option, but a necessity.
Seventy years of FHI demonstrate that collaboration works. At the same time, it remains a conscious choice for companies to actively contribute to the network. “FHI is not a classic service provider,” concludes Stans. “It is a platform that only creates value when members show engagement. Companies that contribute strengthen not only the whole, but also their own future.”

Anniversary Year 2026
The anniversary year is dedicated to connecting and looking ahead. On June 25, 2026, FHI is organizing a festive event for members and invited guests. In addition, a online anniversary timeline Bringing the history of the federation to life with stories, images, and milestones.

About FHI
FHI, the federation of technology sectors, represents more than 600 companies active in Industrial Automation, Industrial Electronics, Building Automation, and Laboratory Technology. The federation connects companies, promotes collaboration, and represents the interests of the technology sector.