By Jochen Werne
Few events in the German economic calendar are as influential and forward-looking as the Wirtschaftstag, and the 2025 edition once again lived up to its reputation. Held in Berlin, this year’s gathering brought together key figures from politics and industry to address one fundamental question: What has to be done today to ensure Germany’s and Europe’s economic prosperity tomorrow?
As one of the market leading global Data & Technology companies with a strong footprint in Germany and a committed advocate for innovation, Experian had the privilege of not only participating in high-level discussions but also contributing directly on stage as a panelist. Our exchange underscored a shared sense of urgency and a common purpose: unlocking growth through technology, data, and smart regulation.
A Climate for Growth: Germany Needs a Strong Economic Framework
The keynote speech by the recently elected Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz delivered signaled a commitment to structural reform, innovation, and economic resilience. The roadmap for Germany’s economic future was outlined by the following measures planned: reduction of bureaucratic hurdles, unleashing entrepreneurial potential, and strengthening Europe’s competitiveness on the global stage.
In several media interviews and panel sessions, I emphasized three points essential for fostering this future:
- Technology openness must be a cornerstone of our economic framework.
- Data literacy is no longer optional—it is a strategic imperative for citizens, policymakers, and enterprises alike.
- Public-private collaboration is key: Companies must not wait for perfect conditions—they must help shape them.
These positions found strong resonance among fellow panelists including Dr. Reinhard Brandl (Member of the German Parliament), Dr. Jochen Ditsche (Partner Roland Berger), Michael Jungwirth (Member of the Board, Vodafone), Stephan Simmang (Member of the Board, flatexdegiro), and Jonathan Weiss (MD, Amazon Development Center Germany). Together, we explored how digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and a data-driven mindset can become the accelerators of German and European renewal.
Why Germany Matters Deeply
Germany is more than a market—it is a strategic pillar for companies globally. As the largest economy in Europe, it serves as a vital hub for innovation, regulatory leadership, and international connectivity.
That’s why Experian made significant investments in the country in recent years:
- We’ve expanded our product and technology capabilities to serve German banks, fintechs, insurers, and SMEs with precision and reliability.
- We are building up local expertise and partnerships, including strong collaborations with regulatory institutions, research bodies, and industry associations.
- We are actively contributing to Germany’s digital transformation, especially in the responsible use of data and AI for better risk management, fairer access to credit, and smarter business decisions.
Germany offers the unique blend of engineering excellence, global influence, and societal responsibility—and it is this environment that aligns perfectly with Experian’s mission: to bring data to life for the benefit of individuals, businesses, and society.
The Path Forward: A Call to Action
The Wirtschaftstag 2025 was not a moment of celebration, but a call to action. In an era of fragmentation, demographic challenges, and technological disruption, our ability to shape a strong economic future will depend on how quickly we can adapt—and how courageously we can lead.
As history shows, a successful country:
- Builds with people and technology, not fear.
- Empowers with data, not red tape.
- Collaborates across sectors, not in silos.
I extend my sincere thanks to the Wirtschaftsrat for hosting such a critical event and for giving us all a platform to voice, challenge, and inspire.
As always, after the dialogue comes the responsibility: Let’s build the framework our future deserves.
#WT25 #Experian #DataLiteracy #AI #DigitaleTransformation #Innovation #Leadership #Germany2030
🎥 Watch Highlights from Wirtschaftstag 2025
🎬 Friedrich Merz – Economic Vision for Germany (YouTube)
🎬 Panel Discussion: Data & Innovation (YouTube)
🎬 Experian in Dialogue – Jochen Werne (YouTube)
🎬 Impulses for Growth (YouTube)
