The next two years will be decisive for how competitive European industry remains. Companies must make faster decisions, become more resilient, and actively shape technological change. In the webinar, Dr. Gerhard Cromme, Christian Dreßler, and André Petry discuss what opportunities are emerging for German industrial companies and what steps are now necessary to capitalize on these potentials.

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Germany Between Pressure for Change and New Opportunities

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Industrial companies find themselves in a tension between global competition, rising requirements, and technological disruption. At the same time, new possibilities are emerging: data, AI, and modern production models open up room for action that was unthinkable just a few years ago. Dr. Gerhard Cromme and Christian Dreßler contextualize these developments from two perspectives – strategically from a European overall perspective and operationally from the viewpoint of a mid-sized manufacturer.

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Three Levers That Will Determine the Industrial Landscape in 2026

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With decades of leadership experience in European industrial companies, Dr. Gerhard Cromme analyzes which factors will determine the development of the industrial landscape. These include the consistent adoption of new technologies, the modernization of industrial processes, and the ability to react faster to market changes. Christian Dreßler adds where concrete opportunities are emerging for the mid-market – for example in supply chain transparency, new cost awareness, and collaboration with technology partners.

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Europe's Competitiveness in a Global Context

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Dr. Gerhard Cromme and Christian Dreßler then discuss how European industry positions itself internationally. The focus is on what strengths Europe possesses and why these are often not fully leveraged in practice.

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Technological Transformation – The Contribution of AI

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It also becomes clear that AI, data, and integrated systems are becoming a central component of industrial competitiveness. The participants examine how technology, production, and new business models must be more closely interlinked in the future. The focus is on the opportunities that arise when companies truly leverage data – for example, for more transparency in processes, better decisions in procurement, or more efficient technical workflows. Rather than strictly separating strategic and operational perspectives, the discussants show how both levels interconnect and what room for action emerges.

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Conclusion

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The discussion makes clear that the coming years hold significant opportunities for European industry. The decisive factor will be how consistently companies act now – particularly regarding technology, organization, leadership, and strategic alignment.

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Dr. Gerhard Cromme, Christian Dreßler, and André Petry show, drawing on their different perspectives, what decisions industrial companies should make today and where additional policy frameworks are needed to further strengthen Europe's industrial power.