Entrepreneurship Summit 2024: Keynote speech by Boris Palmer

Summary

In this lecture, Boris Palmer, Mayor of Tübingen, reports on his experiences in implementing innovative urban projects and provides insights into his practical approach to politics, administration and entrepreneurship. He shows how persistence, a willingness to experiment and pragmatic solutions can bring about visible improvements for citizens.

Palmer describes several projects: the expansion of cycle paths to Copenhagen standards, the construction of wind farms, the introduction of on-demand street lighting and a free Saturday bus service. A central idea is that ideas should be put into practice immediately in order to generate acceptance and impact – even if there is initial resistance. He also emphasises the importance of local freedom of action, experimental politics and pragmatic entrepreneurship in the municipal environment.

He criticises bureaucracy and the partial lack of awareness of municipal problems at the federal level, but also shows how innovative solutions can be successfully implemented locally. Humour, the courage to try new things and overcoming resistance are recurring themes.

Key insights for founders

1. Act quickly and experiment:
Implement ideas directly before they get bogged down in endless discussions. Acceptance grows through use and visible results.

2. Persistence pays off:
Even with long approval processes (e.g. wind farm with listed buildings), it is worth remaining consistent in legal and strategic terms.

3. Combine innovation with pragmatism:
Technical solutions such as ‘light on demand’ or modern cycle paths must be practical, measurable and user-friendly in order to be successful.

4. Focus on customers and citizens:
Offers that address real needs (e.g. free bus transport) increase usage and create positive network effects.

5. Know and circumvent bureaucratic hurdles:
Founders must understand the rules and regulations, but should not be discouraged. Often, small, creative approaches are the key to success.

About the speaker

Boris Palmer has been Mayor of Tübingen since 2007 and is a member of the Green Party. He has earned a reputation as a pragmatic, innovative local politician who often implements local projects more quickly and boldly than usual. Under his leadership, Tübingen has realised numerous urban innovation projects, including the expansion of a modern cycle path network, the introduction of on-demand lighting, free bus services and the implementation of wind power projects. Palmer is known for his humorous, direct style and his ability to communicate complex administrative issues in an understandable way.

He is considered an example of local political entrepreneurship: through targeted experimentation, strategic tenacity and courageous decisions, he implements projects that could often serve as pilot solutions for other cities. His experiences show how politics and entrepreneurial spirit can be successfully combined at the local level.