Future Forum Europe – a truly inspiring start into 2019
Silvia Hernandez
Global Products T&O Leader, Member of the T&O Global Executive, Stuttgart Hub Lead. Advisory Board Member
Last week, I had the privilege to participate in the “Industry in Flux” panel at the #FutureForumEurope alongside Jörg Hönemann (CFO at Bahlsen), Stefan Kapferer (Managing Director, German Association of Energy and Water Industries), Johannes Laitenberger (Director-General of Directorate-General Competition), Dr. Joachim Lang (Director General, Federation of German Industries) and Dr. Philip Steinberg (Head of Division, Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy).
Our debate was centered on what politics and business can do to pro-actively shape the challenges presented by technology and digitization so that prosperity in the EU’s increases.
The workforce perspective – people activation is the key element for the industrial change
- Digitization is a core driver of growth, for this shift towards digital and associated opportunities for economic prosperity as well as societal progress to capitalize its full potential, it is necessary to promote the right enablers.
- People with the right digital skill set and mindset are the key success element to driving the digital agenda and unfolding opportunities for the European market. Our latest study [1] reveals that digital skills scarcity is persistent across industries. According to the survey most significant shortages are in digital skills such as Cybersecurity (48%), AI and robotics (48%), Big Data and Analytics (47%) and these are likely to get even worse. Beside the digital skill set also the right mindset is necessary to enable innovative breakthroughs. We need to embrace the disruption, lead with purpose and internalize an innovative and entrepreneurial mindset, the art of being agile and adaptable while staying curious along the way.
If we are focused on prosperity, addressing digital skills shortages is an imperative. This requires us to rethink our approach to learning and development fundamentally in order develop upskilling systems that are keeping up with fast-changing labor markets and delivering skills needed to adopt innovation and new technologies. In this context, we – individuals, businesses and governments - need to act as a united Europe and invest in skills, the ability to move skills across Europe and welcome talent from beyond Europe’s borders to support the digital evolution and thrive in the future.
The Future Forum Europe is a great platform for aligning our thinking across Europe and a wonderful chance to listen and learn from some of Europe’s most influential decision makers from politics, business and society. A tremendous Thank You to the event team making the #FutureForumEurope an outstanding and remarkable event.
Sources:
[1] EY: Building a Better Working Europe: Unlocking Europe’s digital growth potential (2018)
Independent Business Owner , Non Exec Director, Board Advisor, Executive Search Specialist, Coach, Mentor, Business Associate, an avid connector and practiced listener who is both curious and affable.
6yWell done "Hernandez"! :-)
Chairman of the Executive Board and Country Managing Partner @ EY Germany | All in to shape the future together
6yWell done, Silvia. For this topic I am not surprised they invited an expert and enthusiast like you! Congrats!
Building dynamic business and inherently agile operations.
6yTechnology is seen as a challenge because we still haven‘t mastered its fundamental opportunities to rethink work and value chains. European industry can stay ahead as a role model, driving prosperity for all stakeholders.
Public Sector Management, Long-term Value, Purpose, Business & Society
6yGreat having you on stage