The next two years will be decisive for the future competitiveness of European industry. Companies must make decisions faster, become more resilient, and actively shape technological change. In this webinar, Dr. Gerhard Cromme, Christian Dreßler, and André Petry discuss the opportunities emerging for German industrial companies and the steps necessary now to capitalize on this potential.

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Germany between the pressure to change and new opportunities

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Industrial companies are caught in a tug-of-war between global competition, rising demands, and technological disruption. At the same time, new possibilities are emerging: data, AI, and modern production models are creating room for maneuver that was unthinkable just a few years ago. Dr. Gerhard Cromme and Christian Dreßler analyze these developments from two perspectives: strategically from a broad European viewpoint and operationally from the perspective of a mid-sized manufacturer.

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Three levers that will determine the future of the industrial sector by 2026

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Drawing on decades of leadership experience in European industrial companies, Dr. Gerhard Cromme analyzes the factors that will shape the development of the industrial landscape. These include the consistent application of new technologies, the modernization of industrial processes, and the ability to react more quickly to market changes. Christian Dreßler adds where concrete opportunities are opening up for mid-sized companies, such as in supply chain transparency, a new sense of cost-consciousness, 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 is positioning itself internationally. The focus is on Europe's inherent strengths and why these are often not fully utilized in day-to-day operations.

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Technological transformation – The role 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 intertwined in the future. The focus is on the opportunities that arise when companies truly leverage their data—for example, for greater process transparency, better purchasing decisions, or more efficient technical workflows. Instead of strictly separating strategic and operational perspectives, the speakers demonstrate how both levels interlock and the new possibilities that result.

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Conclusion

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The discussion makes it 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 direction.

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Drawing on their diverse perspectives, Dr. Gerhard Cromme, Christian Dreßler, and André Petry outline the decisions industrial companies should make today and identify where additional political frameworks are needed to further strengthen Europe's industrial power.