Writer and columnist Steven Hill took a close look at what the technological shake-up means for local markets and seemed optimistic about the opportunities for the German market: "Mid-sized German companies are far more creative than Google, Apple or Facebook: they create jobs." However, he didn't deny that the changes will require a great amount of effort. All stakeholders should consider "which technologies point to the kind of future we want, and which lead to dystopia."
Cisco Chief Technology Officer Monique Morrow gave a good example of how technological progress can be used in innovative ways that offer a great deal of promise for the future.
She introduced the conference participants to SHE Platform, an IT platform designed primarily to help women get established in the IT sector. The main advantage of such approaches, she said, is that new technology is independent of gender, skin color or cultural background.
In short, taking fears seriously, emphasizing opportunities, bolstering education, and creating scope for new ideas were the four main points that determined the discussions in Potsdam. The call to join in and help shape the change process was voiced in many of the talks. As Prof. Meinel put it: "Even if we don't yet know exactly how, it is clear that our notion of 'work' is set to change - that is a fact. We have to take an active part in shaping that process."