Industry in transition: Diversity as a driver of innovation and technology (Austrian National Event)

As part of the event, innovative approaches to promoting diversity were presented as well as concrete transformation projects that are led by women. The aim was to show how diversity serves as a driver for innovation and technological progress. The program included a keynote, several lectures, a panel discussion and a structured topic café for networking.

Opening and Keynote

The event was opened by Sabine Mitter from the Federal Ministry for Climate Action, who emphasized the importance of an inclusive working environment. She emphasized that companies that promote diversity are more resilient and sustainable and can increase their competitiveness. Mitter pointed out that only 10% of projects in energy research are led by women, which illustrates how much potential lies in promoting gender equality.

Afterwards, Marie-Therese Claes, Head of the Institute for Gender and Diversity in Organizations at WU Vienna, gave an inspiring keynote. She emphasized that diverse perspectives promote innovation and creativity. Technologies and products developed by homogeneous groups are often not suitable to meet the needs of all. Claes warned that artificial intelligence could reinforce existing stereotypes. “Who is missing from the discussion?” was one of her central questions, with which she encouraged reflection on blind spots in diversity work.

Flashlights: Successful transformation projects

A highlight of the event were the flashlights of successful transformation projects, which were presented by women in leading positions in industry or industrial research. The speakers impressively presented their projects, which show how diversity and female leadership are driving change in the industry towards climate neutrality. These women thus act as role models in the industrial sector and make an important contribution to climate protection and the energy transition:

• Bettina Muster, Head of the Research Groups for Water and Process Technologies at AEE INTEC,
• Hanna Gansch, Managing Director of NG Green Innovations GmbH,
• Irmela Kofler, Head of the Decarbonization and Sector Coupling Research Unit at the Metallurgical Competence Center K1-MET,
• Natalie Egreteau, Senior Manager of the “More Green Program” at Boehringer Ingelheim.

The projects presented showed the different but equally successful approaches of the speakers, who act as role models for future generations in their respective industries. They underlined the importance of female leadership in the technology and innovation landscape.

Panel discussion: How diversity drives innovation and corporate success

The panel discussion highlighted how companies can use diversity as a driving force for innovation and
growth. The discussion was attended by industry
leaders and diversity experts, including:

• Sonja Zimmermann, Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board of Berndorf AG
• Solveig Vitz, Head of Group Supply Chain at Andritz AG
• Daniela Kinz, Strategy Lead Diversity, Equity & Inclusion of the Salzburg AG Group
• Traude Kogoj, Head of Diversity & Inclusion at ÖBB
• Manfred Tscheligi, Head of Center Technology Experience and Gender Officer at AIT

The panelists shared their experiences on how diversity can be integrated into everyday business life and what positive impact this has on innovation and corporate success. It was emphasized that there is no universal solution and that each corporate culture must be individually adapted in order to successfully promote diversity. In addition, cultural change takes time and commitment at all levels of the company.

A recurring theme was the importance of diversity in the team in order to develop innovative solutions. Different perspectives and backgrounds were highlighted as crucial factors, especially in areas such as supply chain management and technological development. The focus was on incorporating diverse experiences and creating an inclusive work environment that appeals to all genders.

Other key points were the structural anchoring of diversity in the corporate strategy, flexible working models to better reconcile family and career, and the need to support diversity through clear targets and data measurement. The importance of networking and visibility of women in leadership positions was also highlighted in order to bring about cultural change in the long term.

In summary, the panel discussion showed that diversity plays a decisive role not only in personnel policy, but also in product development and market understanding. Investing in diversity was seen as a strategic advantage that not only strengthens the working environment, but also the innovative strength and competitiveness of companies.

Closing remarks of the Climate and Energy Fund

The event was closed by representatives of the Climate and Energy Fund, Chiara Cardelli and Sandra Braumann, with inspiring closing words. They highlighted the central role of diversity and inclusion in the innovative strength of the industry and emphasised that the fund is actively working to integrate these issues both in its funding programmes and within its own structures. They appealed to all participants to continue to drive change in their organizations and to see diversity as a key to shaping a sustainable and future-proof industry.

Result

“Industry in Transition: Diversity as a Driver of Innovation and Technology” was an event that highlighted the importance of integrating diversity and gender equality into corporate culture. The transformation of industry towards a sustainable future will only succeed if all potentials are exploited and barriers are removed. Networks, role models and a strategic approach at all levels are crucial. The event encouraged the participants to continue to actively advocate for diversity, equal opportunities and inclusion in their organizations – the motto “stay tuned” ran through the entire morning.

• 09:00 Welcome
  Sabine Mitter, Federal Ministry for Climate Action
• 09:10 Keynote
  Marie-Therese Claes, Head of the Institute for Gender and Diversity in Organizations at WU Vienna
  Presentation documents
• 09:25 Q&A Session on the Keynote
• 09:35 Flashlights of successful transformation projects in industry under female project management
  • Bettina Muster, Head of the Water and Process Technologies Research Groups at the AEE – Institute for Sustainable Technologies (AEE INTEC)
    Presentation documents
  • Hanna Gansch, Managing Director of NG Green Innovations GmbH
    Presentation documents
  • Irmela Kofler, Head of the Decarbonization and Sector Coupling Research Unit at the Metallurgical Competence Center for Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metallurgy K1-MET
    Presentation documents
  • Natalie Egreteau, Senior Manager More Green Program RCV Region at Boehringer Ingelheim
• 10:05 Q&A session on strobe lights
• 10:15 Panel discussion on “How diversity drives innovation and corporate success” followed by a Q & A session with executives and gender and diversity officers from various industrial companies.
  • Sonja Zimmermann, Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board of Berndorf AG
  • Solveig Vitz, Head of Group Supply Chain at Andritz AG
  • Daniela Kinz, Strategy Lead Diversity, Equity & Inclusion of the Salzburg AG Group
  • Traude Kogoj, Head of Diversity & Inclusion at ÖBB
  • Manfred Tscheligi, Head of Center Technology Experience and Gender Officer at AIT
• 11:05 Closing and closing remarks on the first part of the event
  by Climate and Energy Fund
• 11:10 Theme café and structured networking incl. catering
• 12:00 Closing of the event

Moderation: Hemma Bieser