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Representing Gebrüder Schwanke Executive Search, we were in Berlin to discuss how Germany and Europe can move faster from ambition to implementation when it comes to technology.
Many thanks to the Stifterverband!
The guiding theme—"Dare more. Move faster."—resonated throughout the entire day.
Here are our key takeaways and thoughts on the new German High-Tech Agenda:
1. Embracing a culture that allows for mistakes
As Dorothee Bär aptly put it: "Taking risks is not exactly in the German DNA." An honest and important observation. We must recognize that "mistakes are not failures." This represents a fundamental mindset shift—one that we are increasingly seeing among our clients in traditional industrial sectors.
2. A focus on implementation
Dr. Melanie Maas-Brunner (President of the Stifterverband) hit the nail on the head regarding this new strategic direction: "Analysis is followed by a plan—that’s a departure from how things were done in the past." The focus is now squarely on the right pace, strong partnerships, and a robust structure for the High-Tech Agenda, supported by eight concrete roadmaps.
3. Ecosystems & the university of the future
A prime example of interconnected thinking is "Brainport Eindhoven"—presented by Robert-Jan Smits—which showcases an outstanding network linking academia, policymakers, and industry. We need clusters just like this in Germany! In this context, the forward-looking concept of the "4th Generation University" was also raised: universities that do more than just conduct research—they act as proactive engines of innovation, deeply integrated into the regional economy.
Ultimately, innovation always requires the right people. At Gebrüder Schwanke Executive Search, we see every day just how crucial those leaders are who bridge the very ecosystem connecting research and industry—and who accelerate the transfer of knowledge into practical application.