Germany’s most important industrial segments – from chemicals and the automotive industry to mechanical engineering – are based on technologies from the 19th century, built on the foundations of industrialization.

For decades, we have spent our time optimizing existing business models and lost our pioneering spirit in the process. Comfortably ensconced in the comfort zone of the tried and tested, we have fallen into the efficiency trap.

However, business models and technologies are becoming obsolete (see combustion engine). We are therefore well advised to ignite our innovation turbo, develop new business models and diversify. The founding fathers of Mercedes, Siemens, Bayer & Co acted in exactly the same way. They were not perfectionist managers, but daring dreamers, energetic inventors and provocative pioneers.

We need to rediscover this courage, drive and creative will. The future of our business location is at stake. We only have this one chance: We have to give daring forces like him a chance – for the spirit of optimism that we all so urgently need.