From insight to impact

Knowledge transfer has always been important to Rohde & Schwarz. From the very beginning, the company knew that a trusting relation with customers and stakeholders meant that technological insights had to be shared. This philosophy creates value for industry, government and society at the same time. After all, Rohde & Schwarz products and solutions are used every day, if mostly in the background. Rohde & Schwarz technology is everywhere, in the air, on the ground and at sea. As a successful developer and pioneer of both current and future cutting-edge technologies, the company makes important contributions to artificial intelligence (AI), 6G and the protection of critical infrastructure.

A strong knowledge network for future-ready wireless communications applications

Societal challenges demand interdisciplinary approaches, different perspectives and combined expertise to get the best solutions off the ground.

An electromobility and 5G use case shows the value of sharing scientific and technological expertise: the University of Warwick is linking the entire ecosystem together with its research into autonomous and connected vehicles. The program includes infrastructure producers and network operators as well as suppliers and vehicle manufacturers. The university is using a 5G test bench to explore how wireless technologies can be applied to future vehicles. The test bench is fitted with test and measurement equipment from Rohde & Schwarz. Dr. Matthew Higgins from the University of Warwick emphasized: “Government and industry have identified a number of socio-economic impacts that can be achieved through the acceleration of connected autonomous mobility solutions [...]. These include improved safety and a lower level of emissions. The benefits […] really allow us to drive forward the autonomous vehicles from the lab space into the real world and thus deliver impact on society.”

Rohde & Schwarz is a leader in both measuring instruments and expertise. 5G is now a reality and research into the next generation, 6G, is already underway. Rohde & Schwarz has been closely involved right from the start and actively supports ongoing fundamental research at 6G organizations, universities and institutes in Europe, the USA and Japan. Together with our partners and customers, we are actively adapting our test solutions to support this early R&D phase and identify technology components which might become part of a 6G standard. Rohde & Schwarz is a future-oriented company and contributes to several government-funded 6G research projects. Many of these projects have led to collaborations with companies from other industries, such as the chemical industry and create value by bringing together different areas of expertise.

Developing and setting standards is vital to the entire radiocommunications industry. Complex and coordinated regulations are essential to ensure maximum reliability and public safety. Government authorities around the world are responsible for setting these regulations. Relevant institutions and organizations support governments worldwide and many authorities rely on Rohde & Schwarz expertise, products and solutions.

Hand in hand with committees and authorities

An important initiative is the long-term collaboration of Rohde & Schwarz with organizations such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The United Nations agency for information and communications technology plays a key role in managing the global radio frequency spectrum and satellite orbit. The ITU sets international standards to minimize the interference between users and promote efficient frequency use. As a leading technology group with proven expertise, Rohde & Schwarz is an important advisor to the ITU. The company also plays a key role in developing T&M specifications and creating technical manuals.

The group has a nearly 60-year partnership with the ITU that has focused on training specialist government personnel at the ITU Academy. The training provides regulators with the skills they need to effectively implement spectrum monitoring systems in compliance with specifications. Alongside using complex, high-quality equipment, participants gain valuable knowledge directly from the technology leader and industry experts. Anne Stephan, Vice President Monitoring & Analytics at Rohde & Schwarz, explains: “Building and sharing knowledge is the foundation of all progress. Whether in government or industry, our close contact with stakeholders and decision-makers gives us an overview and lets us collaborate to improve the resilience of critical infrastructure and networks with future-ready solutions.”

In tune with the market and customers

When it comes to the cutting-edge technology of tomorrow, continuous dialog within the entire ecosystem and close relationships with customers are vital to Rohde & Schwarz. Being an expert is one thing but making expertise available is very different. For this to work, existing know-how needs to get where it will have the greatest impact when it is needed most.

Rohde & Schwarz offers a comprehensive range of training formats tailored to customers, partners and stakeholders. Our standard repertoire includes live and on-demand webinars, white papers and concise knowledge nuggets – all available on a central platform. Customers and partners can enjoy our broad range of hands-on seminars and trainings directly at the company campus as well as live events, such as the Demystifying EMC Tour, a multi-day event focused on electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). We’ve held this event in various cities around the world, giving participants the chance to interact with technical experts both on site and online. Tailored sessions and workshops provide high-quality know-how, unique insights into practical experience and the opportunity to exchange ideas directly within the EMC community on EMI troubleshooting, compliance testing and calibration.

Success models for the next generation of minds shaping the future

Technological milestones depend on having the right external inputs, which is why Rohde & Schwarz works closely with universities and colleges. The company was founded more than 90 years ago by two tech pioneers and PhD students from the University of Jena and still believes in the power of pioneering ideas and scientific enthusiasm. Rohde & Schwarz equips universities around the world with high-quality measuring instruments, to give the next generation of engineers the best possible support and education to tackle future challenges. The company also provides technical literature for labs, sponsors student competitions and continuously shares its knowledge by hosting expert talks. After more than 20 years of collaboration, the Deggendorf Institute of Technology has re-named the building housing its applied computer sciences and infotronics department as well as electrical engineering and information technology department the Rohde & Schwarz Forum. The title is highly symbolic and a powerful symbol of our many years of joint efforts in research and education. In line with this philosophy, the company is constantly committed to promoting innovative spirit. This includes a longstanding partnership with TUM Venture Labs and intense collaboration within the framework of their robotic, AI, 6G and aerospace & defense incubator programs.

The company also has a successful partnership with the Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg and its chair for high-frequency engineering. The group is involved in the fiveD startup, founded by a group of former university PhD students to further improve the performance of the R&S^®QPS security scanner. Both companies are working together on future-ready solutions to continuously optimize the technology for security scanners used at airports and stadiums. Another example of how industry, research and expertise can come together to shape future cutting-edge technologies.

Initiatives like the one in Africa illustrate the international commitment of Rohde & Schwarz. The company supplies high-end instruments to universities in selected countries and sets up RF labs to carry out innovative R&D projects and drive cutting-edge research at both the national and international levels. Rohde & Schwarz also provides virtual training courses and in-person sessions to train operators on the new instruments. Students in these countries can then earn a college degree at a local education institution. This not only saves time and resources but also promotes young local talent. They can use their skills and knowledge to develop modern solutions to the challenges facing their country. As highly qualified professionals, they will contribute to their country’s community and economy.

Best foundation for education, study and career

Knowledge can only be passed on with the right foundation, which Rohde & Schwarz has developed in-house using its comprehensive expertise. Knowledge transfer starts with education and training. The company sees innovation and a pioneering spirit as part of its identity. Both are essential from the very first day for new employees. Young people are the technological leaders of tomorrow, and this first day marks the start of their professional future.

The company offers 14 vocational training programs and several dual-study programs, including electrical engineering, computer science and mechanical engineering. Young people can choose either in-depth vocational training (as an alternative to their studies) or systematically switch between theory modules at university and practical sessions at the company. “We look at each person individually and assess their strengths and passions. We then support them as best as we can,” explains vocational training manager Rudolf Hitzl when asked about the company’s philosophy. Numerous awards underline the excellent quality of the training. Germany’s best trainees can always be found at Rohde & Schwarz.

Moritz Haunert is a former trainee and now a system engineer, who handles customer projects for the R&S^®QPS security scanner. He gained some initial experience in the field when he was trained as an IT specialist for system integration. “From the very first week I started in the department, I was involved in a project at the Stuttgart Airport and entrusted with tasks that were key to the success of the project. It was hugely motivating,” he recalls.

Everything Moritz Haunert learned as a trainee still serves him today. He is not the only one who benefits from the knowledge in the company. Networks of experts that can be found at company locations around the world provide an inexhaustible source of know-how. In addition, continuing education and professional development are top priorities at Rohde & Schwarz. The company’s internal portfolio includes a wide range of events for every career level, from global onboarding journeys for new employees to the development of technical or personal skills throughout the working life and practical management programs. The company’s open culture of collaboration means that newer employees learn from more experienced ones. Many experts within the company today began their careers long ago as trainees.

Promote knowledge, drive innovation

Building and sharing knowledge will continue to play an important role at Rohde & Schwarz in the future. The company invests between 15 and 20 percent of its revenue in R&D every year and focuses on innovation leadership in the technology sector. Knowledge is an important factor in market positioning and is also the engine that drives innovation in modern society. For a safer and connected world.