First Executive Dialogue in Cologne: Business, politics and science united!

First Executive Dialogue in Cologne: Business, politics and science united!

The first Executive Dialogue took place at the University of Cologne on April 3rd and 4th, 2025. This high-level format brings together decision-makers from business, politics and science to promote exchange and develop solutions for social challenges. Around 30 participants dealt with central topics over two days, with a particular focus on the shortage of skilled workers and maintaining a healthy, productive working population.

The Rector of the University of Cologne, Professor Dr. Joybrato Mukherjee, opened the event with a keynote speech on the strategic positioning of the university. He emphasized the importance of dialogue between research and practice. This is crucial in order to find answers to the complex challenges of today. The discussions took place primarily in the clusters of excellence ECONtribute: Markets and Public Policy and CECAD – Cluster of Excellence for Aging Research.

Research and aging

The CECAD Cluster emphasized the importance of translating findings about biological aging mechanisms into concrete strategies for lifelong health. CECAD scientists presented innovative approaches to promote a healthy and productive aging population. These findings are not only important for science, but also play a crucial role in sustainable work and health policy.

In addition, the Executive Dialogue will take place regularly in the future and will be further developed in terms of content and structure. This corresponds to the university's goals of expanding its role as a central hub for teaching and research, as highlighted in a resolution by the Alliance of Science Organizations. This alliance reinforces the need to strengthen Germany's innovative strength and competitiveness in global competition.

Growth through networking

The connection between science, education and business is central to future growth and innovation. The Executive Dialogue from the University of Cologne is an example of an initiative that promotes this networking. According to the Alliance of Science Organizations, strengthening cooperation between science and business is crucial to increasing value creation in Germany.

In summary, it can be said that the first Executive Dialogue at the University of Cologne not only offers a platform for exchange between different sectors, but also represents an important step towards a future-oriented innovation policy. The dialogue will not only strengthen the strategic direction of the university, but also help to find answers to the pressing questions of our time, such as the shortage of skilled workers and the health of the working population.

For detailed information about the first Executive Dialogue please refer to the reporting by uni-koeln.de referred. Further insights into the topics of the CECAD Cluster can be found at cecad.uni-koeln.de, while the context of innovation policy in Germany hrk.de is examined in more detail.