In this blog post, we take a look at the biggest events, highlights, and moments that inspired us the most.
1. Launching the Innovation Board at VINCI Energies
The year kicked off with a workshop at VINCI Energies, marking the launch of the Innovation Board — a new initiative focused on long-term innovation and shaping the future of business ecosystems.
During the session, we explored:
- Strategic direction and structure of the Innovation Board
- Integrating knowledge and assets for future-proof business models
- Driving innovation with a long-term perspective
I also had the pleasure of interviewing Sascha Baecker, Chief Digital Officer at VINCI Energies Europe East, about the board and its role in fostering collaboration and resilience. Watch the interview here.
2. Ecosystem Thinking in Healthcare with AOK Baden-Württemberg
Next, we hosted a workshop at AOK Baden-Württemberg, paired with a conversation with Michael Noll, Head of Digital & Innovation. Topics included:
- Why ecosystems and partnerships matter in healthcare
- How digital transformation is reshaping collaboration
- Key opportunities for prevention and health competence
- Future digital offerings like video consultations and Komoot collaborations
The focus for 2025 was expanding ecosystem-driven services to better support insured individuals. Check out the interview here.
3. Building Our Studio and First Image Video
A personal highlight was welcoming my team to my house to build a studio. This enabled us to film our first image video, showcasing the importance of business ecosystems in today’s world. Check out the video here.
4. Launching TikTok and Instagram Channels
To share fast, insightful content, we launched TikTok and Instagram channels. Follow us to stay updated on the latest ecosystem insights.
5. Hannover Messe 2025: Key Takeaways
At Hannover Messe, the world’s largest industrial fair, three main trends stood out:
- Domain-Based Thinking: Industries are increasingly interconnected.
- Collaboration is Key: Partnerships are driving AI and digital twin solutions.
- The AI Revolution: AI is embedded in products and services, transforming integration.
Watch our video from Hannover Messe here
6. Ecosystem Day at SAP Experience Center
Ecosystem Day organized by PwC Germany brought together innovators and venture teams from across industries. Key discussion points included:
- Rethinking business models
- Scaling ventures inside and outside corporates
- Enhancing corporate-startup collaboration
Highlights:
- 145+ participants
- 300+ guests at Innovation Dinners
- 17+ speakers from AWS, SAP, Mercedes-Benz AG, and more
Watch the highlight video here
7. Service Provider Summit: AI in Strategy
At the Service Provider Summit in Königswinter, I hosted a roundtable on strategic AI integration with Dries Faems from WHU.
We explored:
- Current challenges in the service provider industry
- Opportunities for AI to support strategy
- Practitioner insights and feedback
8. Keynote at Schaeffler VLS
In Frankfurt I delivered a keynote on Winning in Ecosystems: Schaeffler VLS in Domain-Based Markets, highlighting how Schaeffler is evolving from a traditional automotive supplier into a multi-domain mobility player.
9. Dr. Oetker Ecosystem Workshop
At OEDIV KG, Dr. Oetker’s IT company, we ran a full-day workshop on ecosystem strategy. The session focused on:
- Exploring “jobs to be done” in a specific domain
- Co-developing new business models
- Embedding ecosystem logic into existing strategy
10. Hinterland of Things: Transforming Elderly Care
At #HinterlandOfThings, I led a masterclass with Alexander Rösch from PwC Germany. We addressed the fragmented elderly care system by:
- Designing connected ecosystem solutions
- Brainstorming practical ideas to improve care delivery
- Highlighting the importance of collaboration across startups, corporates, and policymakers
At this event I also interviewed Felix Krauss, founder of FLIX. Watch the interview here
11. Festo Workshop
At Festo Didactic, we explored reshaping industrial education through an ecosystem lens, focusing on: Ambition and vision, Business models in education & Future opportunities.
12. Team Event and Podcast with E.ON
In August my team and I spent two days filming Ecosystemizer content, brainstorming, and team-building activities, including an escape game and recorded a podcast episode together with Ben Ohlwein, Senior Manager Portfolio Management & Strategy at E.ON One. Watch the interview here
13. IAA Mobility Conference
At IAA Mobility, Munich showcased the auto industry’s turning point:
- Crisis: Challenges in the auto market
- Change: Transition to electric mobility
- Future: Ecosystem-driven services and collaboration are the focus.
14. European Alliance Summit
Thomas Kirste, Director at Bosch Management Consulting, and I held a session “Ecosys@Bosch – Empowering New Ways of External Collaboration” together, and here are my top takeaways from the event. The European Alliance Summit explored alliances, ecosystems, and AI. Key takeaways:
- Learning from alliance management in pharma and healthcare
- Thinking beyond industry boundaries
- Early-stage AI adoption in alliance processes
15. Canon Future Book Forum 2025
At the Canon Future Book Forum, we explored how publishing ecosystems can evolve, focusing on collaboration and innovation beyond traditional book publishing. I was speaking on on “Business Ecosystems: Redefining Value Creation in the Book Industry” — exploring how ecosystem thinking can help publishers unlock new growth and collaboration beyond traditional boundaries. You can watch the highlight video here and also the keynote video here.
2025 has been full of insights, collaboration, and ecosystem-driven growth. From AI to healthcare, mobility to publishing, one thing is clear: ecosystems are the future of business.
Follow our TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube channels to stay up to date — 2026 is shaping up to be even bigger!
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