4th Economic Forum Salzburg Sets Sail for the Future

More than 300 high-level participants gather at Salzburg Congress for forward-looking dialogue, inspiring speakers, and bold ideas

Under the motto “In the Winds of Change – Setting Sail Instead of Building Walls!”, the Economic Forum Salzburg 2025 brought together more than 300 decision-makers, entrepreneurs, and experts from business, academia, society, and politics at Salzburg Congress. The fourth edition of this successful MCI format once again connected science and business, impressing attendees with outstanding speakers, practical insights, and inspiring dialogue.

A World in Transition

The afternoon was shaped by captivating keynotes and lively discussions on entrepreneurship, innovation, resilience, and transformation. In times of multiple challenges, the Economic Forum Salzburg provided valuable orientation and motivation to actively and courageously shape the future.

The program opened with an engaging keynote by Andreas Klauser, CEO of PALFINGER AG, on the topic “Navigating Successfully in Volatile Times”. He was followed by Lieutenant General Alfons Mais of the German Armed Forces, who addressed Europe’s security situation under the title “Is Europe Capable of Defending Itself?”. Journalist and SPIEGEL bestselling author Nena Brockhaus provided a pointed contribution on the increasing polarization of public discourse.

Kurt Matzler, professor and extreme cyclist, translated leadership lessons from the Race Across America into the context of business and management. Christoph Vilanek, CEO of Freenet AG, reflected on leadership styles within the tension between generations and diversity. The event concluded with Daniel Krauss, Co-Founder and CIO of Flix SE, who offered a forward-looking perspective on the future of mobility.

Innovation Meets Dialogue

As in previous years, the Innovation Area gave young companies and start-ups a platform to present their ideas and connect with leading representatives from business and academia. Culinary networking breaks and a relaxed evening reception created space for in-depth conversations and rounded off the successful event.

The Economic Forum Salzburg 2025 was organized by the Federation of Austrian Industries Salzburg, in cooperation with the Salzburger Nachrichten, Salzburger Sparkasse, Spar AG, Innovation Salzburg, Palfinger AG, GrECo, the Salzburg Chamber of Commerce, the Salzburg University of Applied Sciences, and MCI | The Entrepreneurial School^®.