The next two years will be decisive in determining how competitive European industry remains. Companies must make decisions faster, become more resilient, and actively shape technological change. In the webinar, Dr. Gerhard Cromme, Christian Dreßler, and André Petry discuss the opportunities emerging for German industrial companies and the steps that are now necessary to exploit this potential.

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Germany between pressure for change and new opportunities

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Industrial companies find themselves caught between global competition, increasing demands, and technological upheaval. At the same time, new opportunities are emerging: data, AI, and modern production models are opening up scope for action that was unthinkable just a few years ago. Dr. Gerhard Cromme and Christian Dreßler assess these developments from two perspectives: strategically from an overall European perspective and operationally from the perspective of a medium-sized manufacturing company.

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Three levers that will determine the industrial location in 2026

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With decades of management experience in European industrial companies, Dr. Gerhard Cromme analyzes the factors that will determine the development of Europe as an industrial location. These include the consistent use of new technologies, the modernization of industrial processes, and the ability to respond more quickly to market changes. Christian Dreßler adds that there are concrete opportunities opening up for small and medium-sized enterprises. For example, in supply chain transparency, new cost awareness, and cooperation with technology partners.

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Europe's competitiveness in a global context

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Dr. Gerhard Cromme and Christian Dreßler will then discuss how European industry is positioning itself internationally. The focus will be on Europe's strengths and why these are often not fully exploited in everyday life.

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Technological transformation – The contribution of AI

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It is also becoming clear that AI, data, and integrated systems are becoming a central component of industrial competitiveness. Participants highlight how technology, production, and new business models will need to be more closely interlinked in the future. The focus is on the opportunities that arise when companies really use data. For example, for greater transparency in processes, better decisions in Procurement more efficient technical processes. Instead of strictly separating strategic and operational perspectives, the discussants show how both levels interlock and what scope this creates.

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Conclusion

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The discussion makes it clear that the coming years hold considerable opportunities for European industry. The decisive factor will be how consistently companies act now, particularly in terms of technology, organization, leadership, and strategic orientation.

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Dr. Gerhard Cromme, Christian Dreßler, and André Petry use their different perspectives to show what decisions industrial companies should be making today and where additional political framework conditions are needed to further expand Europe's industrial strength.