Daimler and Benz Foundation –
Daimler and Benz Foundation –
Daimler and Benz Foundation –

Dialog in the Museum

Events

The Dialog in the Museum series of lectures is conducted in cooperation with Daimler Truck AG, Mercedes-Benz Group AG, and Mercedes-Benz Heritage. The Foundation invites renowned researchers and academics several times each year to speak in Stuttgart’s Mercedes-Benz Museum on the current status of their research and to enter into discussion with the participants. The lectures deal with up-to-date topics, with a particular focus on economic and social implications.

Dialog in the Museum

Germany – a land of innovation?

Trump’s tariff policies, rising energy costs, the increasing skills shortage, and high personnel costs: The German economy is currently faced with several challenges simultaneously. Added to this are intensified international competition – particularly with China – declining investment, and rampant bureaucracy.

Our prosperity is founded on an industry which, thanks to innovative products, continues to hold a leading position in the global markets. Nevertheless, Germany has long been falling back in the innovation rankings of the United Nations; in 2025, the Federal Republic was no longer even among the Top 10.

In his lecture, Wilhelm Stork explained the importance of a cultural transformation in industry and research for maintaining our prosperity. As a university researcher, he takes a critical look at three decades of industrial collaborations and startup support.

The video podcast of the event will be available on our website shortly.