One key factor will determine whether companies - and economies - harness the full potential of AI: the ability to turn innovation into real . When structural barriers and risk-averse mindsets stand in the way, even the most advanced solutions can’t reach their potential.

At ABB, we are building a customer-led innovation culture with a ‘test, learn and scale’ approach, encouraging experimentation and creating clear pathways to scale AI projects – not through top-down directives, but through collaboration and empowerment.

Yesterday, I discussed this important topic with Süddeutsche Zeitung editor-in-chief Judith Wittwer Herter at the SZGipfel. Thanks for the great conversation, Judith!

Moving past the fear of failure and fostering an ecosystem where corporations, startups, academia, and policymakers work together to make AI innovation thrive was a key message in a great meeting and conversation with Verena Pausder, President of the German Startup Association, at the same event.

The future is shaped by what we do today. If we can leverage our industry expertise, invest in talent, and encourage advancements in tech hardware and software, we will unlock AI’s full potential for business.