Participation in Panel Discussion on Innovation

Under the inspiring title "Enhancing Innovation – Game Changer AI and other Growth Drivers," the company Spencer Stuart invited guests to another high-caliber event of its renowned "Leading Tomorrow" series on November 4^th, 2024. In the elegant atmosphere in the Salon of the Kunst und Haltung e.V. in Düsseldorf, around 30 guests, including board members and supervisory directors of leading companies, gathered to discuss groundbreaking innovations and the role of artificial intelligence as a central driver of economic transformation. Spencer Stuart, a globally leading company in leadership advisory, organizes this series to foster visionary networking among decision-makers, thereby strengthening Germany as a business hub.

The panel discussion was preceded by a keynote by Prof. Dr. Holger Ernst, who explored the topic of innovation and the key success factors for groundbreaking developments. Prof. Ernst  provided valuable insights and recommendations to enhance the innovation capability of firms.  Prof. Dr. Ernst especially emphasized the importance of a culture that supports innovation and risk-taking, allowing room for creativity, failure and learning. In addition, a clear focus on customer and market needs and strong top management support are essential for successful innovation.

In the subsequent panel discussion, four speakers – including Prof. Dr. Ernst, Edith Wittmann (Microsoft Germany), Dr. Thomas Hansmann (SMS Group), and Ramin Mirza (Aleph Alpha) – delved deeper into the significance of artificial intelligence as an innovation driver. Together, they examined the prerequisites necessary to fully unlock AI's potential within companies.

A central point of the discussion was that innovation does not arise from technology alone. People remain the decisive factor – as creative initiators, strategic leaders, and architects of an innovation-friendly company culture. The speakers agreed that successfully integrating AI and other technologies requires a clear vision, a systematic approach and a clear business case.

The hosts, Dr. Simone Siebeke, York von Wangenheim, and Lars Gollenia from Spencer Stuart Germany, contributed to advancing the dialogue on pivotal future topics with this event. By focusing on innovation, collaboration, and the opportunities presented by technology, the event demonstrated how the future can be shaped – thoughtfully, reflectively, and with a human-centered approach.