Annual Meeting 2023

Programme

We will open the Annual Meeting on Wednesday, 22 November 2023, with the pre-event «Pont Neuf»: Get to know the participants and speakers and get in the mood for the conference day with first keynotes.

On the main conference day, Thursday, 23 November 2023, you will compose together your own programme. You can choose from more than 20 sessions. Your conference programme will be rounded off by a number of keynote speeches, especially in the field of business and entrepreneurship.

The Annual Meeting is the place for exchange and inspiration. Regardless of the programme, you will find numerous opportunities to meet the participants in and around the KKL. Let yourself be surprised.

The conference language is English. Keynotes in German will be translated into English. The programme is subject to change.

Wednesday, 22 November 2023

17.00

Opening & Welcome Drink

Get in the mood for the evening with a welcome drink and exchange ideas with the first guests.

18.00

DE/EN

Thoughts on the Annual Meeting 2023

Welcome

Dr. Dominik Isler

18.05

DE/EN

A strong Europe is a Europe with edges

Plea for a Europe that overcomes the convenience and self-optimisation of digitalisation

Tobias Haberl

18.30

EN

Young Leaders on stage

Rendezvous with Europe's Future

18.40

EN

A strong Europe is a competitive and proud Europe

Reflections on the state and future of Europe

Helle Thorning-Schmidt

19.15

till 22.30

«Pont Neuf» Classical drinking - forward thinking

Building bridges in a convivial atmosphere. New acquaintances, unknown perspectives, enriching interaction with people who are not from your own bubble.

08.00

Opening & Welcome Coffee

08.45

DE/EN

For a strong Europe

Welcome

Marcel Stalder

08.50

DE/EN

A strong Europe is a secure Europe

Opening Keynote

Bundesrätin Viola Amherd

09.10

EN

A strong Europe is an innovative Europe

How to keep up with the US and China?

Petra Ehmann
Aliette Mousnier-Lompré

09.35

EN

Young Leaders on stage

Rendezvous with Europe's Future

09.45

Break

10.15

Sessionblock A

A
1
|

Clubraum 7&8

A strong Europe is a connected Europe: Meet other guests for a blind date.

more

Sit down at a table for two with someone you don't know for your personal rendezvous. In total, you meet three people who are most likely not from your «bubble».

A
2
|

Terrassensaal

Entrepreneurship made in Europe: What does it need to build a thriving business today?

more

A
3
|

Auditorium

AI in Europe: How do we regulate tomorrow's AI today?

more

A
4
|

Luzerner Saal

The last generation that can shape an independent Switzerland and a strong Europe?

more

When it comes to future technologies such as photovoltaics, semiconductors, battery technology or artificial intelligence, the world powers USA and China dominate. What is Europe doing and how do we in Switzerland ensure our relevance in the world of tomorrow?

A
5
|

Clubraum 5&6

Perspectives on politics: CS Worry Barometer 2023.

more

An interactive exploration of the process of political opinion formation and policy making in Switzerland: In collaboration with the participants, Florian Klemm (CS/UBS) and Cloé Jans (gfs.bern) will present the latest findings from the Credit Suisse Worry Barometer and contemplate how the current political sentiment might impact Swiss politics over the next four years.

A
6
|

Deuxième

Green mobility in Europe: Pitching of the 10 most promising start-ups.

more

Get to know the ten most sustainable and innovative solutions for sustainable mobility in just one hour. Dan Sobovitz will present the ten winners of the European Startup Prize for Clean Mobility in this session. You can find a small preview of the winners at startupprize.eu.

A
7
|

Clubraum 3&4

Europe’s looming democratic test: why may the 2024 elections be a moment of reckoning for the EU?

more

11.15

Transfer

11.30

Sessionblock B

B
1
|

Deuxième

Our future in Space: What’s in for me and my business?

more

B
1
|

Unlocking tomorrow: how to thrive in a Hyper-Connected Future

more

How can Europe lead the digital race? Dive into four expert led dynamic sessions hosted by industry leaders: - Fortify Europe's digital infrastructure - Lead with Data and AI - Adopt a venture mindset for Corporate Innovation - Build the dream team for success. Engage in interactive group discussions and gain actionable insights to help Europe stay competitive, connected, and resilient in the global innovation landscape.

B
2
|

Auditorium

Insights about Cyber-Extortion & AI. Your business is affected!

more

Almost every business has experienced a cyber-attack! Europe faces challenges in terms of evolving cyber threats, the increasing complexity of IT environments, and the need to balance security with privacy concerns. Europe supports collaboration between public and private sectors, international partners and organizations to enhance cybersecurity resilience. Orange is the largest European cybersecurity service provider and tracking cyber-x activities on over 6500 victims. In this session, you will learn: 1. Top threat actors behind these concerning attacks and the usage of AI in their attacks 2. Developments of law enforcement agencies and acting nations 3. The geographical shift of victims and industries impacted 4. Generative AI embedded into services. Real life use cases

B
2
|

A strong Europe is stable: Did democracy prevail in the "Super Election Year"?

more

This fireside chat will explore the outcomes of the "Super Election Year" and how democratic processes across Europe & the US have endured. Gain insights into the impact on European politics & economy, and understand key lessons. The session also provides a forward-looking analysis of the new US administration, the new European Commission and its potential influence on EU policies.

B
3
|

Clubraum 7&8

A strong Europe is a connected Europe: Meet other guests for a blind date.

more

Sit down at a table for two with someone you don't know for your personal rendezvous. In total, you meet three people who are most likely not from your «bubble».

B
3
|

Future competences: The value of international experience

more

International experience promotes intercultural skills, creative and solution-orientated thinking as well as flexibility and openness. Join the discussion on how these competences are crucial for the future of entrepreneurs. Based on current studies and trends, the roundtables will delve deeper into key future skills and the necessary framework conditions. An experience report from a learner offers practical insights and emphasises the relevance of international experience in the working environment.

B
4
|

Luzerner Saal

After the federal elections: How to direct Switzerland’s policy on Europe now? Dialogue with young politicians.

more

B
4
|

A strong Europe is co-operative: How to transform egosystems to ecosystems?

more

As one of the most disruptive technologies today, artificial intelligence is a key driver of transformation. Europe, it seems, has been left behind in the development of this future technology. The Artificial Intelligence Innovation Park in Heilbronn, Germany, aims to prove this claim wrong. The session discusses how the creation of ecosystems can help to shift from competition to coopetition and how this improves European competitiveness.

B
5
|

Clubraum 3&4

Climate Crisis: Are technology and a systemic change the solution?

more

B
5
|

A strong Europe is democratic: How can businesses strengthen democracies?

more

The Basecamp with 45 European talents will take place parallel to the Annual Meeting. In a hackathon, the participants will develop innovative and feasible solutions that contribute to strengthening democracy. In the session, the participants will present their solutions in the form of short pitches. Let us surprise you: Maybe there is an idea you would like to support - not with money, but with your network, your know-how or simply with your commitment.

B
6
|

Terrassensaal

Rising ESG regulations and the EU in a leading position.

more

After a short presentation on "How does a Swiss based industrial SME approach sustainability?" , we would like to discuss with you: Increasing ESG regulations and the EU in a leading position: Is this necessary & does it save the world? Is it too much too fast or too little too late? Does that influence a corporate strategy? If yes, how? If not, why not? Reporting vs. action & impact? How to find the right balance?

B
6
|

A strong Europe is interconnected: Meet other guests for a blind date.

more

Sit down at a table for two with someone you don't know for your personal rendezvous. In total, you meet three people who are most likely not from your «bubble».

12.30

Networking Lunch

14.00

Sessionblock C

C
1
|

Auditorium

Project Pitches Basecamp: How can entrepreneurial innovation strengthen European democracies?

more

The Basecamp with 50 European talents will take place parallel to the Annual Meeting. In a hackathon, the participants will develop innovative and feasible solutions that contribute to strengthening democracy. In the session, the participants will present their solutions in the form of short pitches. Let us surprise you: Maybe there is an idea you would like to support - not with money, but with your network, your know-how or simply with your commitment.

C
2
|

Deuxième

Winner cities and loser province: How can this politically toxic contrast be overcome?

more

C
3
|

Terrassensaal

Europe - haven of fundamental rights: How secure is our data?

more

C
4
|

Clubraum 3&4

Regenerative Economy: How can we do business in balance with the ecological system?

more

In this session we will address, among others, the following question: Wealth that destroys wealth: How can our economy create new wealth for future generations?

C
5
|

Luzerner Saal

Strategic Foresight: How to anticipate what is next in business and society?

more

C
6
|

Clubraum 7&8

A strong Europe is a connected Europe: Meet other guests for a blind date.

more

Sit down at a table for two with someone you don't know for your personal rendezvous. In total, you meet three people who are most likely not from your «bubble».

C
7
|

Clubraum 5&6

GreenTech in Europe: How do we become and remain market leaders?

more

15.00

Transfer

15.15

EN

A strong Europe is a self-confident Europe

What is our role in the war in Europe?

General Sir Richard Barrons

15.50

EN

A strong Europe is a democratic Europe

Basecamp Democracy Hackathon: Winner Project

16.05

EN

A strong Europe is an independent Europe

What are the geopolitical realities of climate policy?

Olivia Lazard

16.45

DE/EN

Thoughts at the end of the Annual Meeting 2023

Closing Talk

Nicole Büttner
Dr. Dominik Isler

17.00

Farewell-Apéro

Let the past days come to an end with a little drink in a relaxed atmosphere. Save the Date für 2024: 27 and 28 November 2024.