Business meets science ... at the official New Year's reception

Of course, it’s all about networking, reflecting on the past year over the buffet, and getting the new year off to a good start. But that’s not the whole story—because every year there’s also something new to discover. On the one hand, the event offers a scientifically grounded insight into the topic; on the other hand, the university opens its doors and invites attendees to take a closer look at one of its labs.

This year, the gathering was held under the overarching theme“Structural Change: Regional Transformation for the Economy and Society—What Lies Ahead for Lausitz?”

The debate over the region’s future is on everyone’s lips; some might think that all sides of the issue have already been sufficiently explored. And yet, the topic was well-chosen. After all, who, if not the companies, politicians, and educational institutions in attendance, should be actively shaping this structural change?

Keynote speeches—to set the stage for the topic—were delivered by energy and environmental economist Prof. Dr. Stefan Zundel from BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg and Mr. Steffen Söll from the SKM Group in Boxberg. One took a scientific-theoretical approach based on surveys and research, while the other offered a very practical account drawn from everyday experience—both were incisive, at times slightly provocative, but always fair and interesting. This led to a lively discussion among the panel participants. Joining the two keynote speakers were: Prof. Raj Kollmorgen (Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences), Frank Großmann (Görlitz Chamber of Industry and Commerce), and Bert Handschick (General Entrepreneurs’ Association of Zittau and Surrounding Areas and RTT). The event was moderated by Mr. Nick Pruditsch (Dresden Chamber of Industry and Commerce).

Matthias Schwarzbach from the Zittau Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) was particularly pleased that Professor Alexander Kratzsch —the future Rector of the Zittau-Görlitz University of Applied Sciences (HSZG)—was able to concisely and vividly present an excerpt of his vision for the university of the future to the business community within the allotted 10-minute time slot.

In the end, only Prof. Jens Weber (Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences) was left “standing between the 130 guests and the buffet,” as he humorously described his situation. He briefly explained the LaNDER³ project (Lausitz Natural Fiber Composites, Decentralized Energy, Raw Materials, Resources, Recycling), and then the active part of the evening began. On the one hand, guests had the opportunity to tour the newly opened LaNDER Technical Center, located 100 meters away; at the same time, everyone rushed to the buffet.

Looking at the all-male panel, the question remained: How can structural change be leveraged as an opportunity to attract more female leaders to Lausitz?

We would like to take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved who contributed to the success of the event.

Text: Martin Kunack, Kristin Sprechert (Saxony⁵)