First “Turmgespräch” unites science and politics

Prof. Peter Middendorf, Rector of the University of Stuttgart and Chairman of the Board of the HWRS: “The major challenges facing our region in the future can only be solved through close cooperation between politics, business, and academia. The ‘Turmgespräch,’ event unites the main players in dialogue and fosters exchange in order to jointly initiate developments that will sustainably strengthen our region’s capacity for innovation.”

Participants in the first “Turmgespräch” included the rectors of colleges and universities in the Stuttgart region, as well as representatives from the state capital of Stuttgart, the Stuttgart Region Association, Wirtschaftsförderung Region Stuttgart GmbH, and the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, along with innovation and startup centers, research institutions, and members of the municipal council and the regional assembly.

In his opening remarks, Middendorf emphasized the importance of a visible and interconnected Stuttgart research region. In light of declining student enrollment and the foreseeable shortage of skilled workers, it is crucial that we work together more strongly to support science, research, and education in the region. “We need a shared commitment to greater visibility, and we need places where the scientific community, policymakers, the business sector, and society at large can engage in dialogue,” said Middendorf.

The Turmgespräch focused on the question of how science can be perceived even more strongly as a provider of solutions to current challenges. University and research institutions not only contribute to research and teaching, but also develop concrete solutions for business, society, and the public sector – ranging from innovations and technology transfer to the training of future professionals.

Heidi Stock of Robert Bosch GmbH spoke about the importance of science and talent for the region’s future. She emphasized that a region’s success is no accident. It arises where business, science, and politics jointly assume responsibility and work together to actively shape the future. “Especially in times of change, it is crucial to advance technologies, attract and nurture talent, and remain attractive as an open and diverse region. Only by breaking new ground together can we ensure our long-term ability to innovate and remain competitive.”

Later in the event, Middendorf presented his vision for a future “House of Science.” Such a place should make science visible and tangible in the urban environment. It brings together universities, companies, startups, and society; strengthens the transfer of knowledge and technology; and provides a space for research, development, and entrepreneurship. At the same time, the “House of Science” is intended to inspire young people to take an interest in science and provide impetus for the future of the Stuttgart region as a hub for science and innovation. To conclude, the participating universities presented their current projects and demonstrated how science is already helping to shape the region’s future.

New platform for regular exchange
With the “Turmgespräch” event titled “Vision: Science and Politics in Dialogue,” the Stuttgart Higher Education and Science Region is creating a new platform for regular exchange between the scientific community, policymakers, and other partners in the region. The dialogue series takes place annually

About the Stuttgart Higher Education and Research Region (HWRS)
Since 2011, the nonprofit association Hochschul- und Wissenschaftsregion Stuttgart (HWRS) has been strengthening the Stuttgart region as a hub for science and innovation. It promotes networking and collaboration among universities, the scientific community, politics, business, and society, and works to advance the transfer of knowledge and technology as well as the visibility of the university and research region. The association's members include 18 universities, four municipalities, the Stuttgart Region Association, the Stuttgart Region Economic Development Corporation, and the Studierendenwerk (student services organization) of Stuttgart and Tübingen-Hohenheim. The association's administrative office is located at Wirtschaftsförderung Region Stuttgart GmbH; Prof. Peter Middendorf, Rector of the University of Stuttgart, currently serves as its chair.