Full Speed into the Future: Carina Stoettner Delivers the Keynote at the 5th Nexel Symposium
On 1 October 2024, the 5th Nexel Symposium hosted by the Qesar network took place in Schwäbisch Hall, under the forward-looking banner “Full Speed into the Future.” Among the speakers: Carina Stoettner, futurist, foresight expert and sought-after keynote speaker on industry, transformation and technology.
Alongside well-known figures including Prof. Michael Groß, Ralf Bouffleur and Gert Hansen, Carina Stoettner offered a deep look into the future of industry — and at the strategic questions companies will have to answer over the coming decades.
Three scenarios for the industry of the future
In her keynote, Carina Stoettner presented three cross-sector scenarios describing possible developments through 2045 — covering not only technological trends but the structural and social conditions around them.
“The future can be shaped — but only if we’re thinking about it today. Scenarios make complexity tangible and let you think strategically ahead of it,” as Carina Stoettner put it on stage.
Each scenario brings its own challenges and opportunities:
- How do you integrate technologies in a way that makes sense?
- What new models of collaboration emerge between sectors?
- And which capabilities and structures do companies need to build to stay successful over the long term?
What it means for key sectors: packaging, machinery, optics, automotive, chemicals
The most compelling part was translating all of it into specific sectors. Whether packaging, machinery and equipment, optics, automotive or chemicals, the same things hold:
- Agility becomes a survival skill.
- Spotting technologies early is decisive.
- Collaboration rather than rivalry creates new value.
The scenarios gave participants practical starting points for developing strategy in a period of growing uncertainty.
Foresight as a catalyst for change
The Nexel Symposium wasn’t only a place for expert exchange but a real catalyst for the transformation of entire industrial sectors. The contributions from Carina Stoettner and the other speakers made one thing clear: orienting toward the future isn’t a nice-to-have. It’s a business necessity.
Carina Stoettner — keynote speaker on the future, industry and foresight
Looking for a speaker who combines substance with real clarity?
Carina Stoettner delivers keynotes on topics including:
- The future of industry and work
- Approaching the future strategically
