... we live in turbulent times, economy-wise as well as technically. I am firmly convinced that entrepreneurial spirit and action is the strongest force to transform ideas into innovations, making the world a better place.

To me, Hansa is a much-loved computer game from my childhood days, but also an ingenious innovation from the Middle Ages, making people realise at a very early date how precious an extensive network, cooperation for mutual benefit, and trust in society and the economy are.

What do you expect of the Brilon Hansa Congress? A lively and inspiring exchange on current challenges and how we can contribute to a solution.

In the future, innovations will only be feasible if we retain and develop the skills for it. As former Federal President Roman Herzog once put it, “Our ability to innovate determines our destiny.”

What can visitors expect of you in the discussions with you? Inspiration for entrepreneurship through the latest insights from start-up and innovation research, and how those findings are put into practice. Networking between start-ups and medium-sized companies – regional and international – is a topic I feel very strongly about.