Inspiring Joseph Schumpeter Forum 2025

Fourth DFK symposium (Deutscher Freundeskreises der Universitäten in Innsbruck e.V.) on the renowned “Austrian School of Economics”

• The role of innovation & entrepreneurship in the state, economy & society
• High-ranking guests, exciting discussions, valuable impulses

“Universities meet friends”. With this appealing motto, the traditional DKF has been organizing high-ranking lecture events, symposia, and meetings at locations in Germany and Austria for many years.

The aim of the DFK is to set economic and socio-political impulses and to build bridges between the three universities, between the neighboring countries, between science and business, between alumni and students, etc.

The fourth Joseph Schumpeter Forum was recently held on the occasion of this year's annual meeting of the DFK in Innsbruck. The aim is to honor the great tradition and unbroken topicality of the renowned “Austrian School of Economics” and to use its findings, which are still valid today, for current challenges in terms of economic policy.

The Kaiser Leopold Hall was packed with 200 students, alumni, representatives of Innsbruck's universities, and guests from business and society.

Ein besonderes Highlight des diesjährigen Joseph-Schumpeter-Forums bildete der eindrucksvolle Festvortrag von Prof. Dr. Martin Rhonheimer, Präsident des Austrian Institute of Economics and Philosophy in Wien, zum Thema „Was ist das Soziale an der Sozialen Marktwirtschaft?“.

A key highlight of the event was the keynote speech by Prof. Dr. Martin Rhonheimer, President of the Austrian Institute of Economics and Social Philosophy in Vienna. In his address titled “What Makes the Social Market Economy ‘Social’?”, Prof. Rhonheimer presented a critical reflection on contemporary interpretations of the social market economy. He argued that excessive emphasis on redistribution and social balancing risks undermining long-term prosperity and the foundational dynamics of free markets.

The event continued with a dynamic panel discussion moderated by Andreas Schnauder, Editor-in-Chief of Der Pragmaticus. The discussion, titled “The Role of Innovation & Entrepreneurship in State, Economy & Society”, featured leading voices from academia, business, and policy, Prof. Dr. Theresia Theurl, University of Münster, Dieter Unterberger, Managing Partner, Unterberger Beteiligungs GmbH, Dr. Monika Köppl-Turyna, Director, EcoAustria, and Dr. Axel Paeger, Founder & CEO, AMEOS Group.

After valuable insights, inspiring impulses, and engaging conversations during the breaks, the symposium concluded with a relaxed gathering accompanied by delicious refreshments. All participants and organizers agreed that the Joseph Schumpeter Symposium 2025 was not only a great success but also of such significance that it should certainly be continued in the coming year.

DFK Chairman Markus Walzl affirmed that the German Friends' Association has fulfilled its mission: to bring together the University of Innsbruck, the Medical University of Innsbruck, and MCI | The Entrepreneurial School® with renowned individuals, companies, and institutions from academia, business, and society; to foster cross-border dialogue and encounters; and to promote academic excellence and outstanding student achievement.