Joachim Hornegger’s Post

The evening began with a line from one of the great moments of German literature. Max Frisch’s Stiller opens with “Ich bin nicht Stiller.” At Siemens Tech Minds Erlangen, Oliver Hartmann – stepping in for Ralf Thomas, who unfortunately could not attend – turned it into a witty welcome: “I am not Ralf Thomas.” A brilliant opening that set the tone for an inspiring night. A highlight was the conversation between Siemens CEO Roland Busch and Schaeffler CEO Klaus Rosenfeld, skillfully moderated by Barbara Hahlweg. They spoke about the opportunities of large AI models, the unique role of industrial data, and the promise of humanoid robotics. The message was clear: Europe can lead by combining industrial know-how with cutting-edge research and by turning technology into real-world applications. Klaus Rosenfeld reminded us that Schaeffler’s claim “We pioneer motion” goes far beyond cars. From precision mechanics to robotics and software-defined hardware, the company applies its core strength – mastering movement – to new frontiers. The discussion also touched on ethics: technology must remain human-centered, with responsibility always in our hands. And then there was the regional dimension. Both Siemens and Schaeffler emphasized how deeply they are rooted in Franconia. This is not Silicon Valley and not Munich – and that is precisely its strength. Here, innovation grows from reliability, precision, and a spirit of togetherness. For me, that is exactly the FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg Spirit: locally grounded, globally connected, driven by curiosity and courage. My heartfelt thanks go to Siemens for hosting this outstanding evening, to Oliver Hartmann for stepping in with such style, and to everyone who contributed to the atmosphere of openness and inspiration. It was much more than just a corporate event – it was a vivid demonstration of how business, science, and society can come together to shape the future. Bill Gates once said: “There is no area of human endeavor that cannot be transformed by technology.” Last night in Erlangen, that truth came alive.