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CROSS CLUSTER SUMMIT
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The digital future has begun On July 6, 2020, the CROSS CLUSTER SUMMIT gathered competent voices from business, technology, and research online to sound out the economic opportunities that arise from digitization.
Technology trend researcher Mario Herger was invited as a keynote speaker at
tunity. Gaby Schaunig, Deputy Governor of Carinthia and technology consultant,
the online event. The event was created as part of the cross-cluster cooperation
pointed out the importance of modern technologies, which „even under these
between ACstyria Mobility Cluster, Creative Industries Styria, Green Tech Cluster,
conditions made the exchange and new impulses possible“. „The Corona crisis
Holzcluster Styria, Human.technology Styria, Internationalization Center Styria,
has shown that we have to cope with digital and social change“, said Schaunig.
and Silicon Alps Cluster (the first cross-federal cluster to connect Styria and Carinthia).
The crisis as the engine of innovation
Social, economic, and social structures have been in a state of upheaval for a
Crisis management is also a question of the right attitude, as Mario Herger emp-
long time, with digitization and networking playing a decisive role. The Corona
hasized in his keynote. The author and technology trend researcher has been
crisis has given rapid change an additional boost and has shown how crucial
working in Silicon Valley since 2001 and is known for his disruptive mindset. This
digital know-how is. As an answer to future challenges, concentrated know-how
is exactly what is required in the current situation, although the prerequisites are
is required, which ideally comes from a crossover of competencies. The Styrian
more than satisfactory: „We have the talents, the knowledge and the ability. We
clusters and network companies prove to be incredibly productive, with experts
have to want it again and talk more about the opportunities than fear the risks.“
from industry, research, development, education, creativity, and internationaliza-
Do not be afraid of the future! During the subsequent panel discussion, personalities who have successfully adapted their business models to the current challenges had their say: Ralph Harreiter (CEO of Parkside), Silvia Russegger (Institute for Information
CROSS CLUSTER SUMMIT
Technology JOANNEUM RESEARCH), Werner Kraus (SVP Business & Wholesale
Live Session
Magenta Telekom) and Ralf Mittermayr (CEO of Saubermacher Dienstleistungs AG). They all have one thing in common: They are not afraid of the future - and more so not of changes. The best practice examples from research, business, and IT show how digital technologies serve as a motor for growth and innovation, such as the „Austrian Digital Alliance“ initiative, initiated by Ralph Harreiter and the agencies „Wild“ and „TOWA“: „Despite the investment stop, we have to press ahead with strategic work, because only measures that can start immediately can counteract the effects of a crisis“, says Harreiter. Ralf Mittermayr emphasized: „Under the pressure of the crisis, we were able to successfully implement many positive things, e.g. teleworking, electronically accompanying documents, video conferences. Simultaneously, we are also relying even more heavily on the
tion acting as initiators and driving forces of change.
benefits of digital solutions for our customers, e.g. our intelligent garbage can and high-tech sensor ANDI.“
Digitization: the chance for change Barbara Eibinger-Miedl, State Councilor for Economy, Tourism, Regions, Science, and Research referred in her opening statement to the position of Styria as „one of the most innovative and research-intensive regions in Europe“. It is essential to learn from the Corona crisis and see the „immense digitization push and the strong awareness of regional products and resilient supply chains“ as an oppor-
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CROSS CLUSTER SUMMIT Live talk with Mario Herger
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