On September 26, 2024, the futureSAX Innovation Forum II took place at the "Fabrik der Fäden" in Plauen. Experts from science and business came together to discuss digital technologies, strategies and innovative applications for the digital transformation under the heading "The future of digitalization". The DigitalStress team from the Institute for Health, Ageing, Work and Technology (GAT) at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences was also actively involved.

The DigitalStress team was involved in the following themed workshops:

1. Skills development for the digital world of work
   David Sauer gave a presentation on the use of digital tools for recruiting skilled workers, skills development and knowledge management. The focus was on the difference between qualifications and skills as well as the changing demands on the modern workforce. A key finding was the importance of continuous learning and creative problem solving in the digital transformation. The potential of mentoring to specifically promote skills in companies was also emphasized.

1. Innovative business models and digital management processes
   Tino Schmidt shed light on the emergence of new business models through digitalization, particularly in the context of the circular economy and the energy sector To this end, he outlined the factors that distinguish the few successful AI start-ups from the numerous unsuccessful ones. Building digital resilience, in particular by adapting software to organizational requirements, was highlighted as the key to successful digitalization. A SWOT analysis of the workplace, combined with a workplace environment analysis (e.g. BASA) and skills diagnostics (e.g. KODE), helps companies to identify meaningful digitalization opportunities and implement them in a targeted manner.

1. Socio-cultural integration in digital change
   David Sauer used a short mini-game to introduce the challenges of socio-cultural integration in the context of digital change. The focus was on generational change, differences in skills and the acceptance of digital technologies in the team. The role of managers, who should actively exemplify change and create space for learning processes, was identified as crucial to the success of change processes.

The futureSAX Innovation Forum II impressively demonstrated how important it is to take a holistic view of digitalization - from technological to social aspects - in order to make companies successful in the future. The DigitalStress team made a valuable contribution to the discussion and further development of solutions.

A more detailed summary of all themed workshops can be found here.