From left to right: Thomas Pfaender, Thomas Jarzombek (Member of the German Bundestag), Thomas L. Roedding, Lars Fiele ( (C) Economic Council of North Rhine-Westphalia)
Duesseldorf, March 17, 2026 – Digitalisation is no longer a standalone initiative; it now defines how markets operate. Products are gaining digital identities, supply chains are becoming data-driven, and regulation is increasingly embedded in interfaces, standards and platforms. Against this backdrop, Thomas L. Roedding (CEO of Narravero GmbH) has been appointed Chair of the North Rhine-Westphalia State Commission on Digital Innovation and Transformation within the CDU’s Economic Council.
The commission held its inaugural meeting in Duesseldorf under new leadership. Deputy State Chairman Lars Fiele and State Managing Director Frank-Norbert Oehlert opened the session.
Thomas Jarzombek, Member of the Bundestag and Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister for Digital Affairs and State Modernisation, joined from Berlin and underlined the commission’s importance for policymaking. He called on business leaders to engage actively. The commission discussed the ministry’s planned initiatives.
Focus for 2026
Roedding brings a hands-on perspective spanning digital entrepreneurship, standard-setting and operational implementation. A key priority will be how Europe embeds market rules in digital systems. One example is the Digital Product Passport, which is set to become a condition for access to the EU market, redefining responsibilities across manufacturers, retailers, platforms, certification bodies, AI systems and consumers.
Artificial intelligence is seen as an enabler, not an end in itself. Its value depends on clearly defined identities, data formats and interfaces. The Digital Product Passport is central in this regard, providing the infrastructure needed to organise responsibilities and scale innovation.
About Thomas L. Roedding
Thomas L. Roedding is CEO of Narravero GmbH and is engaged in standardisation work on the Digital Product Passport at both European and national level. His focus is on making standards operational through unique product identifiers, interoperable systems and robust data structures integrated into business processes.
About the Commission
The State Commission on Digital Innovation and Transformation works to link technological innovation with practical implementation. Its aim is to make innovation tangible, accelerate real-world transformation and develop clear policy recommendations in dialogue with business and policymakers.
About the Economic Council
Founded in 1963, the Economic Council represents more than 13,000 entrepreneurs and around five million employees nationwide. In North Rhine-Westphalia, it brings together over 2,100 members across 27 sections, making it one of its largest regional associations.
More information: https://wirtschaftsrat.de/de/verband/landesverband-nordrhein-westfalen/
Narravero Gmbh
Am Mittelhafen 10
48155 Muenster
Germany
Frau Dr.Inga Ellen Kastens
025174788851
ingaellen.kastens@narravero.com
When products speak, ownership becomes a relationship.
One tap or scan with your smartphone–no downloads, no apps. The Digital Product Passport (DPP) gives products a voice and people a reason to listen.
This creates a new bond between brand, product, and consumer: a purchase turns into an ongoing conversation. Closer engagement measurably improves outreach, boosts customer loyalty, and unlocks new revenue potential–all data-driven and trackable.
Narravero delivers the complete DPP solution via its SaaS platform, trusted by 200+ companies across 12+ industries, including BONPRIX, STRAUB MARBERT, B&W International, SEINE Batteriesysteme, and COR. Thomas L. Roedding, CEO & Founder, is actively shaping DPP standards at both European and national levels, serving in leadership roles at DIN and CEN-CENELEC.
Learn more at: http://www.narravero.com
This release was published on openPR.
