Business meets science + politics

For the eleventh time, the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, the Allgemeine Unternehmerverband Zittau und Umgebung e.V., the Dresden Chamber of Crafts and the Dresden Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Görlitz and Zittau branches, are inviting you to the "Business meets Science" evening event at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences.

If Lusatia and its various regions become German pioneers in terms of innovation and quality of life, the consequences of the politically desired coal phase-out, which will certainly come sooner or later for economic reasons, can be overcome. But even with the greatest commitment, the people of Lusatia can only achieve this if there is political will, an economic upturn and coordinated assistance. But where do we stand in the process?

The latest 2019 economic survey by the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) clearly shows that the pessimistic future expectations of Saxon companies from the last surveys continued in the fall of 2019 - and in an intensified form. The current business situation is also viewed negatively. In addition to the long-awaited and now noticeable economic slowdown, regional companies are particularly concerned about the coal phase-out in Lusatia and the associated structural change. For the people, the companies and the communities, the existential question is currently: How will/should the region live in the future, here, where lignite has shaped people's lives for more than a century? The impending structural change also raises other fundamental questions, such as: What opportunities might arise? What responsibility do the regional economy and science have towards politics and the people in the region during the transformation process?

We have invited controversial experts to discuss this topic: energy and environmental economist Prof. Dr. Stefan Zundel from BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg and entrepreneur Steffen Söll, Managing Director of the SKM Group in Boxberg. After providing impulses on the topic from their point of view, both will certainly not avoid any questions in a subsequent panel discussion.

Afterwards, there will be an opportunity for an informal exchange of ideas.