The Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs hosted the Digital Congress today at BMW Welt in Munich. The state government, medium-sized businesses, corporations, and startups discussed the challenges of digital transformation.
After the opening and welcome by Economics Minister Ilse Aigner, the host BMW will present itself and its status of digitalization. Jens Monsees, digitalization manager of the Munich-based car manufacturer, points out the urgency of the issue:
“Digitalization is happening today and now!”
In contrast to the Neuer Markt in the late 1990s, the current discussion about digital transformation is not about hopes or expectations, but rather a development that is already taking place. The change can only be met with a new entrepreneurial spirit that includes cooperation with competitors and does not view disruptive change as a threat.
A split that rips your pants?
His top boss, CEO Harald Krüger, agrees Monsees:
“Five years ago, none of us would have worked with Audi and Daimler.”
Collaboration between the three companies has long since become a reality. BMW acquired the mapping service here together with its two former fiercest competitors.
Krüger emphasizes the gravity of the current challenge facing the Munich-based global corporation: On the one hand, they want to preserve their company's "culture of perfection," but on the other, they must become faster and more agile—"Fail fast, learn fast!" The future lies in autonomous mobility, while at the same time, BMW wants to continue offering its customers the "Sheer Driving Pleasure." A difficult balancing act. Panel moderator Ursula Heller asks pointedly: A split that could tear your pants?
Stronger startup focus desirable
In the In further panels in the afternoon, representatives from companies and the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs will discuss the importance of science, research, and the "old economy" for digitalization. Finally, startup representatives will take the stage, including Karl Grandl from Getsafe and Enrico Bolloni, founder of the Munich-based InsurTech startup Snapsure. The VR fitness device Icaros is on site and invites you to fly or dive.
All in all, the conference provides exciting insights into the efforts of the various players to achieve digital transformation.
Even greater visibility of startup companies would have been desirable, as they often already have solutions for the problems and challenges of digitalization.
