Global minds, local moves: That was Zukunftstag 2025

In his keynote speech that morning, Robert-Jan Smits outlined the dawn of a new world and economic order. “The world is no longer a village.” The old rules of international cooperation no longer applied, as the US, Russia and China, amongst others, had clearly demonstrated. “In future, cooperation will be based on shared values,” explained the former EU Director of Research, who is responsible for the substance of large parts of the multi-billion Horizon research programmes. Europe’s regions must massively expand their existing innovation ecosystems and network with one another across Europe.

In the afternoon’s keynote address, General Robert Brieger, until recently Chairman of the EU Military Committee, spoke about new hybrid threats, the need for military investment in security, and Austria’s role in a common European defence policy.

In the morning, Dutch nanoelectronics researcher Jo De Boeck, Carinthian Deputy Governor Gaby Schaunig, President of the Styrian Industry Association (IV Steiermark) Kurt Maier, and Manfred Kainz, Chairman of the Foreign Trade Committee at the Styrian Chamber of Commerce, explored the topic of cooperation from various perspectives.

In the afternoon, Isabell M. Welpe, Scientific Director of the Bavarian State Institute for Higher Education Research and Planning, provided insights into how the use of artificial intelligence is changing the conditions for cooperation. Isabell M. Welpe spoke about the collaboration between humans and artificial intelligence, whose significance she equates with the invention of steam power and the discovery of electricity. Based on relevant studies, Welpe expects enormous productivity gains and cost reductions through AI—in every area where information is processed.

Around 1,000 participants were inspired by emotional keynote speeches and engaging panel sessions at this year’s Styrian Business Zukunftstag, held under the motto “Flexible today. Shaping tomorrow.” They also gained valuable insights into the current challenges and future visions of the business community. The event was once again hosted by Christian Clerici.

Philipp Blom, the internationally renowned historian, bestselling author, and journalist, took a hard look at classical economic theory and our current approach to nature in his keynote address. At the same time, however, he emphasized the great opportunity for Austria and Europe as business hubs to become global technology leaders in sustainability and green tech. Internationally renowned extreme mountaineer and author Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner offered compelling insights into how lessons from mountaineering experiences can be applied to one’s personal life and work. In addition to the two keynote speeches, numerous speakers from local companies and organizations provided diverse inspiration for future-oriented concepts during three panel sessions.

The afternoon was entirely dedicated to exchange, networking, and B2B discussions. Numerous cluster and network partners presented themselves and their innovative projects in the “Resilient Future Zone.” This space offered an inspiring environment to discuss future-oriented ideas and strategies, exchange views on current developments, and simply meet new people.

Overall, Zukunftstag 2023 was characterized by an inspiring atmosphere of new beginnings and innovative energy, which motivated participants to approach the challenges of the future with flexibility and to actively help shape them.

It wasn’t just data specialist Viktor Mayer-Schönberger and sailing star Hans-Peter Steinacher who captivated visitors at the SFG Zukunftstag; many other thought leaders also made a strong impression. “Access Spots” provided an interactive way to engage with the conference theme #accessiskey.

With nearly 1,000 participants, this year’s Styrian Business Future Day took place under the motto #accessiskey. In addition to the two top speakers, numerous speakers from regional companies provided insights on this highly topical issue.

Live networking and inspiration define Styria’s largest business congress. This year, too, the popular B2B discussions and the Access Area—where numerous clusters and networks presented themselves—focused entirely on exchanging experiences and networking with specialists. The networking partners explored the theme of “access” through interactive formats. Through fishbowl discussions, expert talks, and workshops at topic-specific “Access Spots,” participants were able to exchange ideas and open up new avenues for their own businesses.

At the 7th Styrian Business Zukunftstag, more than 1,000 attendees looked ahead to the year 2030. The event focused on forecasts by Norwegian “Rock’n’Roll Plato” Anders Indset and analyses by Wolf Lotter (“brand eins”). The overall message of the day: Things are going to stay exciting.