Topic

The DACH Forum 2026 is build around an academic course on the topic „Innovation & Europe’s Global Competitiveness“ held by Prof. Dr. Marc Oliver Bettzüge.

Disclaimer: All participants are required to attend the lectures and corporate case studies, regardless of whether they are receiving academic credits.

PROGRAM

Tuesday from 11:30AM: Arrival and Opening Ceremony to kick things off, followed by the first interactive corporate sessions and a networking dinner to connect with partners and fellow participants.
Wednesday from 9AM: A dynamic mix of inspiring academic lectures and hands-on corporate workshops and case studies, rounded off with company presentations and an evening dedicated to networking.
Thursday from 8:30AM: Engaging academic and corporate sessions throughout the day, culminating in the highlight Speed Recruiting Event with our corporate partners.
Friday from 9:30AM: Final academic impulses, a joint reflection and panel discussion, various company events and a festive Closing Gala with After Party to celebrate the week together.

ACADEMIC LECTURES

Disclaimer: this academic course is worth 3 CEMS ECTS. Please note that in order to get the 3 ECTS, you need to be enrolled for the semester, attend the whole course in person and prepare your tasks during and after the course.

European competitiveness has been declining, with its economic performance lagging behind the US, China, and other regions. The Draghi and Letta reports point to major gaps in investment, innovation, and integration, emphasizing Europe’s resource constraints and the challenges of the digital and green transitions.

The forum examines these issues from political, business, and economic angles. It begins with three 90‑minute lectures including guest lecturers Prof. Achim Wambach, PhD (ZEW Mannheim) and Dr. Thilo Schäfer (IW Köln). In addition, companies from various industries will present practical case studies linked to their key challenges and the forum’s overarching theme. A panel discussion and a final reflection session will further support critical engagement with the topic.

SEMINAR OBJECTIVES

After completing the course, students will understand Europe’s competitiveness challenges and the importance of innovation, particularly in the digital sphere. They will be able to assess Europe’s global position, recognize the role of energy and resources, evaluate industrial opportunities and risks, understand political responses, reflect critically on business options in a de‑globalizing world, and apply relevant frameworks to real cases.