Looking back on five years of IfE
At the beginning, Prof. Dr. Daniel Schallmo, member of the institute's management team, presented a concise and clear overview of the most important milestones since its foundation. Year after year, it became clear how the institute had grown in the areas of research, teaching and transfer: key projects, successful collaborations and special highlights testified to the dynamic development of the IfE.
Honorary membership for Prof. Dr. Uta M. Feser
A special moment of the evening was the laudatory speech by Prof. Dr. Jens Pätzmann, member of the institute's management, on the president of the HNU, Prof. Dr. Uta M. Feser. In recognition of her extraordinary commitment and significant services to the institute, she was ceremoniously appointed an honorary member of the IfE – accompanied by warm applause.
Scientific impulse: Twin Transformation
Prof. Dr. Jens Kolb, member of the institute's management team, then took over the content-related focus with his contribution "AI and sustainability – a contradiction?". He demonstrated that artificial intelligence and sustainability are by no means opposites, but rather require conscious management of key conflicts of interest – for example, between energy requirements and efficiency gains, high computing loads and CO₂ reduction, and innovation and resource consumption.
Four keynote speeches from corporate practice
Four representatives from the business world then provided inspiring ideas for the practical implementation of twin transformation – the parallel digital and sustainable transformation in companies:
- Stefan Hell, Spokesman for the Board of Volksbank Ulm Biberach eG, explained how twin transformation serves as a strategic lever for efficiency, resilience and customer benefit – underpinned by cooperative values, regional responsibility and a clear long-term orientation. He outlined how a pragmatic approach to data gaps, a jointly designed data and process architecture, and active management of conflicting goals effectively support change.
- Thomas Sievers, Future Business Manager at Uhlmann Group Holding, provided insights into the digital transformation of the Uhlmann Group. He demonstrated how automation and sustainability are intertwined in pharmaceutical production and how technological innovations in mechanical engineering contribute to sustainable corporate development.
- Matthias Hörneschmeyer, Head of Digitalisation at Pfersich GmbH & Co. KG, described how the family-owned company Pfersich combines traditional baking and confectionery skills with digital transformation. His examples ranged from sustainable production processes to innovative digital solutions in sales and customer communication – and showed how the company is being positioned for the future.
- Daniel Geiger, Director of Product at Neue Pressegesellschaft mbH & Co. KG, explained how the media company is shaping its transformation into a modern digital enterprise: with sustainable communication strategies and innovative digital products that ensure long-term strength.
Exchange and outlook
At the get-together afterwards, guests took the opportunity to chat and network in a special atmosphere. With this anniversary evening, the IfE not only looks back gratefully on five successful years, but also looks ahead with motivation and a focus on the future to the tasks and developments that lie ahead.
