The rooms of the uih! are modern and full of new technologies. They are located in the heart of Heilbronn. Guests were warmly welcomed by AI avatar Joseph, who represents the namesake of the Fraunhofer Institute, Joseph von Fraunhofer. On the upper floor, humans took over. “Today is all about the European spirit,” said Teresa Schick, adding: “It is up to us to ensure that society remains as colorful and diverse as it is today.” The program included six keynote speeches.
Here are the most important takeaways from the inspiring presentations:
- Artificial intelligence offers enormous potential – for example, in medical breakthroughs, in the fight against climate change and in software development. Start-up founder Isabell Steidel is certain that people must continuously develop themselves further (‘re-skill and upskill’) in order to remain relevant.
- Florian Wußmann, Head of the Leadership Programme at the Lucerne Dialogue, warns that European democracies are under pressure – but companies, especially SMEs, play a central role in defending them. Young leaders in particular should be involved at an early stage in order to develop new forms of civic engagement with fresh ideas and a European mindset (“European DNA”).
- Information spaces are increasingly becoming a battlefield – influenced by propaganda, targeted disinformation by state actors, hackers and lobby groups. British G7 and G20 MP Marc Tilley is optimistic that digital natives are often less ideologically influenced and have better tools to navigate complex information environments.
- The regional perspective takes a similar focus. Leonard Reinwald from the ”Young Europeans Baden-Württemberg” highlights the value of programs such as youth exchanges and the exchange of cultural assets. They enable young people to get to know other ways of life, values and traditions while reflecting on their own cultural identity.
- AI can do much more than just analyze data – it can support us in our everyday lives, for example in choosing climate-friendly options, monitoring nature or dealing with health issues. But it is not enough on its own – it is crucial that people recognize their own ‘superpowers’ and use them in a targeted manner, appeals the second British G7 and G20 MP, Tom Maidment.
- Last but not least, Florian Stupp, an Information Engineering student at TUM Campus Heilbronn and founder of the start-up “Public Makers”, presents his visions for the public sector: It is not about abolishing bureaucracy, but about developing it in a meaningful way. The goal is a modern, effective administration that creates trust and strengthens democratic structures. Initiatives such as Public Makers and a hackathon in Munich show how student entrepreneurship and creative approaches can transform the public sector.
Thanks to the lively discussions on the presentations, the event was extended by two hours. The dialogue gave rise to new ideas, and all participants took home new inspiration. This is a good sign that the European idea of unity is neither out of fashion nor a thing of the past. At TUM Campus Heilbronn, thinking will continue to know no boundaries.