The Future of
CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Motivation
Medium-sized companies in the critical infrastructure sector (KRITIS) face particular challenges when it comes to digital transformation. This internationally highly regulated sector is traditionally hesitant in this regard.
At the same time, cloud-based solutions, cyber security and data-driven business models need to be established - which is becoming increasingly urgent due to the acute shortage of skilled workers. There is immense potential in the value-adding use of scarce skilled workers who are not deployed in a targeted manner due to a lack of virtualization solutions.
This is why a “Virtual Innovation Lab” is being created for KRITIS - the VILinKRITIS.
VILinKRITIS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
VIRTUAL INNOVATION LABS and
DIGITAL COLLABORATION SPACES
in the
CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE
FINANCIAL SUPPORT*
Federal Ministry of Education
and Research
European Union
*The VILinKRITIS project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the European Union via the European Social Fund Plus (ESF Plus) as part of the “Future of Work” program and is managed by the Project Management Agency Karlsruhe (PTKA).
PROJECT HOLDER
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology**
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
**A head start through research - PTKA Karlsruhe has been supporting publicly funded research and innovation projects for over 50 years.
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PROJECT PARTNER
Human-Centered AI for Critical Infrastructure The Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits (IIS) is one of the leading research institutes for digital technologies and artificial intelligence. Motivation for VILinKRITIS: Fraunhofer IIS is researching how AI-supported virtual innovation spaces can be used securely and efficiently in KRITIS. The aim is to develop trustworthy human-AI interactions that facilitate new innovation processes and meet regulatory requirements.
Secure innovation for Critical Infrastructure HIMA is a leading global provider of safety-oriented automation solutions for critical infrastructures. The company develops innovative safety systems for sectors such as chemicals, energy and industry. Motivation for VILinKRITIS: HIMA wants to make collaboration with customers, partners and experts more efficient through virtualization. The aim is to accelerate innovation processes with AI-supported tools and create secure digital platforms for KRITIS applications.
The future of work for Critical Infrastructure The Institute for Social Science Research (ISF) Munich is investigating the effects of the digital transformation on work and organizations. Motivation for VILinKRITIS: ISF Munich is researching how virtual reality (VR) and digital collaboration spaces can improve innovation processes in KRITIS companies. The aim is to develop new digital working models and optimize collaboration across company boundaries.
Digital infrastructure for secure collaboration MESALOGIC develops intelligent software solutions for KRITIS companies and provides scalable IT infrastructures and secure digital collaboration spaces. Motivation for VILinKRITIS: The company wants to develop a technical platform for the Virtual Innovation Lab that enables secure, intuitive and networked collaboration in KRITIS. The focus is on the integration of existing systems and a high security standard.
PROJECT TEAM
Fraunhofer IIS
Martina Simon
Martina Simon heads the group «Human Centered Innovation» at the division Supply Chain Services of the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS.
She initiates and is responsible for research and consulting projects in the field of human experience, behavior and decision-making, especially with regard to digital living environments and transformation. As a qualified psychologist, her focus is on human-technology interaction, technology/AI acceptance research and the socio-ethical evaluation of user-friendly technical solutions.
Prior to her academic career, she worked for around 18 years in the start-up and SME context, including in product, content and translation management.
Fraunhofer IIS
Marie Dyntar
Marie Dyntar is a research associate in the «Human Centered Innovation» group at the division Supply Chain Services of the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS.
She is involved in research and consulting projects focusing on human-centered digital transformation, the future of work and the integration of human-technology interaction into daily workflows.
As a qualified psychologist, her focus is on change management, human-technology interaction and acceptance research related to technology and AI.
ISF Munich
Judith Neumer
Dipl.-Soz. Judith Neumer is a researcher at ISF Munich. She conducts research on the digitalisation of work and learning, the use of artificial intelligence and its effects on work and the subject, as well as new requirements for vocational training.
She contributes her expertise to the VILinKRITIS subproject 'Requirements and Impact Analysis of Virtual Collaboration Spaces in the KRITIS Sector'.
Foto/Urheber: Photogenika, photogenika.de
ISF Munich
Dr. Stephanie Porschen-Hueck
Dr. Stephanie Porschen-Hueck is a researcher at the ISF Munich and work in the VILinKRITIS subproject “Requirements and Impact Analysis of Virtual Collaboration Spaces in the KRITIS Sector.”
Her research interests include types of action such as innovation work, interaction work and networking as well as their organizational framing in terms of “experience-based and good work” in both analogue and digital spaces.
Foto/Urheber: Photogenika, photogenika.de
HIMA Group / himalaya
Laura Heidenreich
Laura Heidenreich works as a Team Assistant at the Himalaya Innovation Lab of HIMA Paul Hildebrandt GmbH.
With over 15 years of experience in assistance, event, and project management, she ensures smooth processes, efficient organization, and clear structure in the back office.
Her focus is on providing the team with optimal structural support and contributing to the successful implementation of the project.
HIMA Group / himalaya
Dr. Leontin Grafmüller
For >10y, Leontin leads corporate innovation with a focus on new digital and AI-powered business models - in the high-tech B2B domain in the Mittelstand.
Currently, he is heading himalaya – HIMA Group's Innovation Lab, delivering AI- and business-model-related innovations for the process industry, the critical infrastructure and rail.
Related to his practice, he holds a PhD from HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management on co-creating high-tech products together with business customers, and is Research Affiliate at the University of Mannheim.
Fraunhofer IIS
Dr. Stefan T. Kamin
Stefan Kamin is an aging researcher specializing in Human-AI interactions across the lifespan, focusing on how digital innovations impact health and social participation.
His work explores the conditions necessary for the acceptance of digital technologies and their successful implementation. With extensive experience in user-centered research and interdisciplinary collaboration, he has led projects identifying user requirements and developing suitable technical solutions.
Stefan holds a PhD in Psychogerontology from FAU and works at the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS, where he coordinates the HUMAN AI pillar at the ADA Lovelace Center, investigating the intersection of humans and AI.
Foto/Urheber: Fraunhofer IIS
Fraunhofer IIS
Rebecca Leger
Rebecca Leger is a researcher in the «Human Centered Innovation» group and advisor to the head of the Supply Chain Services department at the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS.
Her research focuses on human-AI interaction in the area of innovation and creativity, which she explores in projects on innovation in critical infrastructure and human-AI co-creation in music.
Foto/Urheber: Joachim Lindner
ISF Munich
Dr. Michael Heinlein
Dr. Michael Heinlein is a principal researcher at the ISF Munich and heads the sub-project “Requirements and impact analysis of virtual collaboration spaces in the KRITIS sector” of VILinKRITIS.
In his research, he deals with questions of the digitalization of work and organizations, transformations of knowledge in digitalization and practical relations between humans and technology (especially artificial intelligence and virtual reality).
ISF Munich
Romy Blinzler
Romy Blinzler is a doctoral student at ISF Munich and supports the sub-project "Requirements and impact analysis of virtual collaboration spaces in the KRITIS area" of VILinKRITIS.
Her research focuses on labour, digital work, human-technology interaction and collaboration in digital workspaces.
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HIMA Group / himalaya
Caroline Bauer
Curious, open-minded, and with a clear sense of what truly drives people and organizations forward.
Caroline has a passion for shaping new paths, bringing fresh ideas to life, and inspiring teams to embrace change. Whether in projects or everyday situations, she connects people, creates space for exchange, and ensures that ideas turn into tangible results. Throughout, she never loses sight of the human element—combining empathy, structure, and a keen sense of what’s feasible. When she’s not busy developing innovative solutions, she is out exploring the world.
For her, travel is more than just relaxation—it’s a source of inspiration, a way to look beyond the horizon, discover new perspectives, and continuously refine her view of the bigger picture.
MESALOGIC GmbH
Sören Rauls
Sören Rauls serves as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Mesalogic GmbH, where he plays a key role in managing project operations and driving the strategic development of the newly established Hardware Infrastructure Service division. Having been with the company for approximately three years, he is dedicated to enhancing and expanding its infrastructure services.
With a holistic approach, the Hardware Infrastructure Service covers the complete planning, design, implementation, and maintenance of IT infrastructures — for both critical (KRITIS) and non-critical applications. The focus lies on reliability, scalability, and security to deliver tailored solutions for demanding IT environments.
"In VILinKRITIS, we combine our complementary strengths to develop innovative solutions for
critical infrastructures.
This close collaboration and interdisciplinary exchange results in a future-oriented overall project."
MORE ABOUT VILinKRITIS!
The VILinKRITIS project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the European Union via the European Social Fund Plus (ESF Plus) as part of the “Future of Work” program and is managed by the Project Management Agency Karlsruhe (PTKA).
