Entrepreneurship Summit 2024: Keynote speech by Prof. Dr. Harald Welzer

Summary

In his keynote speech, ‘Good Places: On the Relationship Between the Future and Our Origins,’ Prof. Dr. Harald Welzer reflects on current social, ecological, and political developments and focuses on how people act in times of uncertainty and how founders can understand and utilise these dynamics. Instead of presenting traditional solutions, Welzer shares his thoughts on good places, community spirit and the prerequisites for meaningful change.

The keynote speech focuses on the role of security and attachment in uncertain times, the importance of emotional and aesthetic factors for motivation and social action, and the need to counteract destructive tendencies with constructive projects. Innovation is critically questioned: it is only valuable if it is based on a clear social benefit.

Key insights for founders

1. Create good places:
People need places – physical or social – that offer security, orientation and emotional attachment in order to embrace change and innovation. Founders should consciously design work and project environments that promote resonance and community.

2. Security as a basis for change:
In uncertain times, people prefer to stick with what they know. Entrepreneurship can only succeed if founders create conditions that offer orientation and make risks calculable.

3. Innovation needs purpose and reflection:
Innovation is not an end in itself. It must serve a clear goal, e.g. creating social benefits, conserving resources or strengthening community.

4. Exnovation – unnecessary removal:
Success is not only about creating something new, but also about the ability to consciously dismantle false, destructive or outdated structures.

5. Community as a foundation:
Social projects, voluntary work and institutional structures that enable equality and participation (e.g. voluntary work, educational opportunities) are core principles for sustainable social change. Founders should incorporate these principles into their business models.

About the speaker

Prof. Dr. Harald Welzer is a social psychologist and historian specialising in social transformation, sustainability and social innovation. He investigates how cultural, social and political conditions shape people's behaviour and beliefs and which factors enable successful social action. Welzer is known for his critical analysis of destructiveness in politics and society and is committed to promoting community, good places and sustainable innovation. As a sought-after keynote speaker, he shares his insights with founders, politicians, academics and the general public, always with a view to connecting emotional, social and ecological responsibility.