On May 14, 2024, the event forum of Stadtsparkasse Düsseldorf opened its doors for this year’s business event “Shift & Change – The BM&A SME Day.” Under the motto “Defying the Crisis – Acting Instead of Reacting,” the event provided a platform for valuable insights, best practices, and networking. High-profile keynote speakers such as Sascha Lobo, entrepreneur Bodo Janssen, and author Karl-Heinz Land inspired and motivated the participants. The focus was on the topics of “Automation & Digitalization,” “Innovation,” and “Growth & Financing.”

Insights and Inspiration from Leading Personalities

Sascha Lobo, Bodo Janssen, and Karl-Heinz Land, together with experts from the BM&A member network, provided valuable insights and addressed the key topics of the event. Particularly noteworthy were the results of the SME Study M&A 2024, which were presented for the first time and served as a well-founded basis for discussion. A summary of the key statements from the presentations can be found in the short articles on the following pages of this LEBENSWERK issue.

Panel 1: Automation and Digitalization

The first panel discussion focused on automation and digitalization. Moderated by Karl-Christian Bay (BAY GmbH), Dr. Kristian Kampfer (madiba), Karl-Heinz Land, Konrad Hintermair (DevelopX), and Dr. Hartmut Ruh (Körber) discussed the necessity of using AI and the associated potential to remain competitive. Using the example of “madiba,” the application of AI in tendering processes was illustrated and examined from the different perspectives of the panelists. The discussion also highlighted the importance of experienced partners in implementing AI within business models.

Panel 2: Innovation

Moderated by Jan Pörschmann, the second panel focused on the topic of innovation. Participants included Axel Menneking (Telekom), Ben Husemann (Giesecke+Devrient), Dr. Alex v. Frankenberg (High-Tech Gründerfonds), Simon Graff (FOR REAL?! Media GmbH), and Stephan Heinemann (Taylor Wessing).

Simon Graff opened with an introductory presentation on disruptive innovation, emphasizing the importance of hype and dialogue. He raised key questions: Which partners are needed, and what should be considered when structuring partnerships to successfully drive innovation in today’s fast-paced competitive environment?

The expert discussion highlighted the wide range of opportunities already available today - opportunities that can and should be actively pursued.

Panel 3: Growth & Financing

Are sufficient financial resources available to fund future-oriented projects? Following a brief introduction by Thorsten Schneider (Grant Thornton) on Germany’s current economic situation, the third panel discussion—moderated by Karl-Christian Bay—focused on growth and financing. Participants included Christoph Büth (NRW.BANK), Christian Fritsch (ELF Capital Group), Henrietta Six (Stadtsparkasse Düsseldorf), Niklas Herting (STI Group), and Thorsten Schneider (Grant Thornton).

Using the example of a mid-sized company, the discussion highlighted the investments required for corporate transformation in light of current economic and regulatory conditions. The importance of a strong primary banking relationship was emphasized, while alternative financing options available in the market—such as development banks and private equity/debt—were also explored. Overall, the discussion suggested that with a solid strategy and a clear plan, sufficient capital can indeed be secured.

Conclusion

The “Shift & Change 2024” event provided valuable insights into current challenges and innovative solutions for the SME sector. The various panels and presentations demonstrated that, despite the crisis, it is possible to act proactively and succeed through automation, digitalization, innovation, and tailored financing solutions. Participants were able to establish valuable connections and take away concrete approaches for their businesses. Following the positive feedback, a new edition of Shift & Change is planned for next year at the premises of Stadtsparkasse Düsseldorf.