This year’s annual kick-off event hosted by VDI/VDE Innovation + Technik GmbH focused on the book “Land der Ohnmacht” (Land of Powerlessness) by Dr. Robert Peters, futurologist at the Institute for Innovation and Technology. The bestselling author, who has been honored by Manager Magazin, offers an optimistic outlook on the future and provides suggestions for constructive action in times of crisis. His keynote speech kicked off an inspiring panel discussion. Moderated by Dr. Martin Grund from VDI, he initiated a dialogue with Dr. Sabine Awe from the Thuringian Ministry of Economics, Christine Weiss, Managing Director of VDI/VDE-IT, Dr. Robert Peters, and Prof. Thomas Ortlepp, Managing Director at the CiS Research Institute. The discussion highlighted the current situation in Thuringia and the role of the state as a promoter and companion for society, business, and science. “We all shape our own future and must look ahead actively and courageously and quickly turn new ideas into reality,” argued Prof. Ortlepp in the discussion.
Key questions, such as what Erfurt should look like in fifteen to twenty years and what measures the state of Thuringia is taking to secure and further expand locations, are particularly pressing issues in the context of the current Zalando discussions.
As a business-oriented research institute for small and medium-sized enterprises and a member of the German Industrial Research Association Konrad Zuse, the CiS Research Institute can shape innovative developments itself. With our bridging function between science and industry, supported by suitable public funding programs, we develop application-ready technical solutions as the basis for innovative products from small and medium-sized enterprises. This requires strong activities, which we carry out and support to promote STEM subjects in schools and higher education institutions. We are therefore delighted to establish new partnerships on this platform in order to help shape the future of Thuringia together with politics, business, science, and education. Dr. Corinne Büching from VDI summarized the key messages of the evening: self-efficacy, optimism, and hunger for success. The discussions continued intensively during the get-together that followed.
The event took place on 15th January 2026, at Haus Dacheröden. The host, VDI/VDE Innovation + Technik GmbH, recently opened a location in Erfurt, which is why the state capital was chosen as the venue for the opening of the annual nationwide event.
