Full House and Outstanding at the South Tyrolean Economic Forum in Bolzano

International speakers, engaging exchange, successful start-up arena, and valuable insights on innovation

Under the overarching theme “Innovation as a Matter of Survival: How Can a Restart Succeed?”, the recently held 21st South Tyrolean Economic Forum brought together entrepreneurs, executives, and decision-makers from South Tyrol and beyond. With more than 400 participants, the forum once again provided a key platform for exchange, fresh perspectives, and forward-looking impulses.

The event officially opened with welcoming remarks from high-ranking representatives from business and politics, including Governor of South Tyrol Arno Kompatscher, Alexander Rieper, President of the South Tyrolean Business Association, and Gerhard Brandstätter, President of the Sparkasse South Tyrol.

The forum featured a distinguished lineup of speakers from business, politics, and society, demonstrating through engaging discussions and presentations that innovation is far more than a buzzword – it is a key prerequisite for sustainable success and competitiveness.

Magnus Brunner, EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, addressed current developments in European policy and explored the future direction of Europe. This was followed by Ulrike Tagscherer, Chief Innovation Officer at KUKA AG, who made clear how quickly companies can lose relevance without a consistent commitment to innovation.

Providing a geopolitical perspective, Hans-Lothar Domröse, General and former NATO Commander, outlined Europe’s role in the context of global power shifts and sketched key security policy considerations. Daniel Krauss, Co-Founder and CIO of Flix SE, offered compelling insights into the disruption of the travel industry and demonstrated how innovation can sustainably transform existing markets.

In the closing panel discussion, Evelyn Palla, Chairwoman of the Management Board of DB Fernverkehr AG, spoke about the challenges and opportunities of restarting the German rail system and emphasized the importance of a reliable and interconnected European transport network.

A particular highlight was the start-up arena, where selected young companies presented their business ideas in concise pitches. The format created a direct connection between established entrepreneurs and innovative newcomers and provided space for personal exchange and potential collaborations.

The forum wrapped up with a relaxed networking session featuring South Tyrolean specialties and fine wines, where participants continued discussions, built new connections, and reflected on the day’s key insights.

The 21st South Tyrolean Economic Forum was jointly organized by Sparkasse – Cassa di Risparmio di Bolzano, the South Tyrolean Business Association, the South Tyrolean Business Magazine, the Sparkasse Foundation South Tyrol, the “Südstern” network of South Tyroleans abroad, Business Bestseller Verlag, and MCI | The Entrepreneurial School®.