Geopolitics & Supply Chains

Global economic relations are undergoing a profound transformation: Geopolitical tensions, technological disruptions, climate change, and shifting trade dynamics are challenging businesses and decision-makers around the world. Building resilient, sustainable, and future-proof supply chains is becoming a strategic imperative

This keynote provides practical insights into harnessing artificial intelligence across the entire supply chain. Attendees will learn how to design or evolve supply chains so that processes, technologies, and teams are fully enabled for AI-driven efficiency. The presentation explores two central approaches: first, how to build a new supply chain that is ready for AI from the ground up; and second, how to transform existing processes, systems, and people to extract maximum value from AI applications. By addressing both starting points, the keynote inspires participants to initiate and actively shape the changes required for a truly future-ready supply chain. 

Transformation is no longer a buzzword. The geopolitical world order is also currently undergoing a transformation - economic dependencies, new power blocs and strategic interests are shaping the future of Germany as a business location. In this top-ranked panel, participants will experience an analysis of geopolitical power shifts and their direct impact on security, the economy and strategic options for Germany and Europe. Gain deep insights and examples to make your organization fit for the future and navigate it successfully through geopolitical transformations.

This keynote highlights the strategic realignment of the Volkswagen Group's global production and logistics network in response to the current challenges facing the automotive industry.

Cross-brand synergies and cost benefits will be realised through regional governance. Regionalisation also enables faster adaptation to changing conditions in the production and sales markets.

In addition to the strategic realignment of the network, the implementation of further efficiency measures in production and logistics contributes to achieving the company's ambitious goals.

The keynote speech will provide concrete approaches on how reorganisation and efficiency can secure the company's future viability in the long term.
 

Global supply chains have been under constant pressure in recent years – from the pandemic and trade conflicts to ongoing geopolitical tensions. In this panel, industry leaders from various sectors will share their perspectives on current developments, explore the associated risks and opportunities, and discuss the concrete measures they are taking to respond to increasingly complex global challenges.

The focus will be on short-, medium-, and long-term strategies to stabilize global supply networks, as well as actionable approaches for risk mitigation and adaptation in an unpredictable environment.

Gain real-world insights, learn from successful resilience strategies, and join the discussion on how to build future-proof global supply chains.

The geopolitical situation, NATO obligations and the comprehensive modernization of the Bundeswehr require increased civil-military cooperation in logistics.
This interactive session brings together key stakeholders from the armed forces, procurement agencies, and the logistics industry. The emphasis is on creating real value: asking questions, sharing experiences, fostering understanding – talking with each other, not about each other. A moderated intensive exchange at eye level enables trust to be built in the sense of the common concern. The session is especially aimed at logistics service providers looking to engage directly with military decision-makers and procurement authorities.
 

How is the importance of Bundeswehr logistics currently changing? How can logistics increase the performance of our armed forces? What potential for innovation can be tapped in the field of military logistics? What does this mean for cooperation between Bundeswehr and civilian logistics? What opportunities arise for the individual stakeholders?

Disruptions in global supply chains are prompting the search for alterna-tive routes. One such route, the Middle Corridor, links China and Central Asia with Europe via the Caspian Sea, South Caucasus, and Turkey or the Black Sea.

Recent global disruptions have made one thing clear: supply chain resilience is no longer optional. In the aerospace and defense sector in particular, complexity, limited transparency, and slow capacity adaptation are major challenges.

Europe is facing complex economic, political, and societal challenges – but these also present tremendous opportunities for agile and transformation-ready companies.