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Trans-Nation Co-Creation

More Innovation for Germany

Co-Ideate

Project Value Partners

Support through exclusive partnerships

The Value Partners form the commission for selecting the companies, start-ups, and representatives participating in the project. They use their established networks to help build awareness around its offerings and the importance of continued learning in the area of innovation. They also lend their expertise in their respective areas through presentations and workshops to contribute to the group’s learning and development.

GACC

The AHK USA - San Francisco is part of a worldwide network of German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHK) with over 150 offices in 94 countries and thus an official representation of German business on the US West Coast.

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Campus Founders

Campus Founders gGmbH is an entrepreneurship and innovation center on the educational campus of the Dieter Schwarz Foundation in Heilbronn and currently comprises 10 institutions. The task of Campus Founders is to promote entrepreneurship and the spirit of innovation among students and their collaboration with regional companies.

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Enterprise Garage

Enterprise Garage is led by CEO Mario Heger, who has been living in Silicon Valley since 2001, researching technology trends there and advising companies on topics such as innovation, Silicon Valley Mindset, Foresight Mindset, Automotive, Artificial Intelligence, Creativity, or Intrapreneurship.

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Ethos8X

Petra Chequer has built a large, high-performing transnational network at the CEO level. From her position as CEO of Ethos8x, she conducts "Board Readiness for Leaders" programs and deals with relevant questions on diversity and inclusion. In the transatlantic context, Ethos8x supervises Peer Groups of senior executives from Germany and Silicon Valley.

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GABA

The German American Business Association of California (GABA) is a non-profit organization that offers knowledge exchange and cooperation for a large network of diverse business partners. The organization comprises more than 400 active members and companies in Germany and the USA/California. The network gains professional depth through GABA expert groups in the areas of: New Technologies & Innovation, Smart Infrastructure & Mobility, Life Sciences & Digital Health, Communication, Media & Entertainment, Leadership, Human Capital & Future of Work.

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German Missions

The jurisdiction of the German Consulate General in San Francisco covers Northern California, Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming and the U.S. territories of Baker, Howland, Jarvis, Johnston and Palmyra Island. Oliver Schramm has been heading the Consulate General since 2021. From 2017 to 2021, he worked as an envoy for economic and global issues at the German Embassy in London. From 2014 to 2017, he worked at the Federal Foreign Office as head of unit for German schools abroad and international sports promotion.

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KIT Link

KIT Link is the transatlantic network for innovative and future-oriented research at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. KIT Link maintains locations in Germany and Silicon Valley and stands for the overarching knowledge exchange between these locations. It promotes transatlantic communication and represents the German research landscape in the innovative environment of Silicon Valley. 

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LeadershipGarage

The LeadershipGarage is an academic research program based at the Institute for Performance Management at Leuphana University Lüneburg.
For over 5 years, it has been researching and navigating the digital transformation with its partners generating
valuable knowledge at the interface of
science and practice, which helps companies to successfully master their
digital transformation. 

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Project Idea Advisor

Sharing knowledge and closing gaps

Porsche

As an idea advisor, Porsche is connected through a long-standing and successful partnership with the LeadershipGarage and the Institute for Performance Management at Leuphana University Lüneburg. An example of this is the executive program "Executive LeadershipGarage" (ELG).

Here, speakers and thought leaders from Leuphana University, Stanford University, and Silicon Valley come together to provide executives with a unique insight into the mindset of Silicon Valley. With the objective of "Leading in a digital world," the focus is on addressing the necessary skills and attitudes. At the same time, the discussion and networking with leading minds of the other participating ELG companies enables a valuable exchange and change of perspective.

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Inspired by this executive program, the Trans-Nation-Co-Creation Project is another program that makes this novel connection with Silicon Valley accessible to SMEs, start-ups, and public administration.

Project Management

Prof. Dr. Sabine Remdisch
Dorothea Berke
Cody Long

tncc@leuphana.de

A project of the Institute for Performance Management at Leuphana University Lüneburg, funded by the BMBF (Federal Ministry of Education and Research).

Three questions for Porsche

"The influence of Silicon Valley remains undisputed to this day. The foundations were laid here for countless innovations – and this is precisely what benefits the Trans-Nation Co-Creation project."

How does successful leadership development look at Porsche?

We offer tailored programs for the most diverse career phases to achieve an optimal fit between role, person, and company needs. The goal is to actively address important future topics for Porsche and implement them in the best possible way in the respective role. It is important for us to continuously enrich our learning ecosystem through carefully selected partnerships. For example, we enable exchange and networking in an international context and in relevant transformation topics.

What makes Porsche an Idea Advisor and how is this lived within the company?

We have a large network and the latest future technologies. This helps us accelerate and continuously improve our processes – and that makes us a trustworthy partner. At Porsche, we focus on developing leadership from within our own ranks. Therefore, we are very familiar with continuing education programs and highly individualized development paths.

What makes Silicon Valley so unique for Porsche?

Silicon Valley is internationally the mindset mentor, which lives a unique innovation culture and repeatedly provides new innovation impulses. Inspired by this culture, we are also committed to supporting young, aspiring, innovative companies. As part of the Trans-Nation Co-Creation project, we therefore also focus on the transnational aspect, which enables the exchange of ideas and perspectives.

Three questions for Oliver Schramm

"I firmly believe that the idea of the project is a valuable contribution to promoting the innovation performance of the German economy. The model carries the positive effects of sustainable innovation successes into the regions of the actors and network partners."

Oliver Schramm, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany

How do you support the transatlantic exchange between companies from Germany and Silicon Valley?

It's about strengthening the close relationships between Germany and the USA and establishing further new contacts. Important partners in this are the political institutions and German-American organizations in the region. Germany can only benefit from these networks. In Germany, risk aversion is still very pronounced. In contrast, there is a stronger can-do mentality in Silicon Valley. More is tried out and full concentration is directed toward implementing an idea without thinking about possible limitations and problems from the outset.

Why is it so important for German companies to become visible in Silicon Valley?

To stay up to date on the latest developments in high-tech applications, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing and to get inspiration, contact with Silicon Valley is essential. Some things are already reality here that are still unthinkable elsewhere. Autonomous driving is just one of numerous examples. Silicon Valley is a unique place for founders; there are approximately 40,000 startups here, and one-third of all US venture capital goes to the Valley. 

How would you describe the impact of this project in one sentence?

Through the connection with renowned research institutions and the flourishing Californian economy, ideal conditions are created here for German companies. 

Three Questions for Mario Herger

"For German companies, it can only be enriching to transfer the Silicon Valley spirit to their organizations in order to become more innovative and to recognize and help shape trends and tipping points at an early stage."

Mario Herger, CEO Enterprise Garage and Speaker

How do you support the transatlantic exchange between companies from Germany and Silicon Valley?

I regularly host delegations from Europe and connect them with people and companies here in Silicon Valley. In addition, I offer courses on Future Mindset and Growth Mindset. Here, I present tools that help better discover and influence signs of what might come, enabling better decisions for the future to be made today. I also show ways to escape your own fixed mindset and that of the entire organization to make room for a growth mindset. I also make my experience and expertise available in numerous publications on the topic.

How can German companies integrate the Silicon Valley spirit into their own company?

Above all, it's about overcoming the often encountered "Future Angst" (fear of the future). German companies should learn not to view new technologies as something frightening or even hostile, but as means to solve humanity's great problems. First, companies need to clarify for themselves: What fears still shape us currently? For what reasons are we not at the forefront in the competition for new technologies? It's about being open to forward-looking and transformative solutions – and about the willingness to actively shape the future.

How would you describe the impact of this project in one sentence?

Success lies in networks that are as agile as they are stable, made up of established tech giants, startups, incubators, and universities.

Three questions for Hannah Vergossen

"With our model of co-creation, we bring together actors from the German business and scientific landscape with those from Silicon Valley, because innovation emerges precisely at these interfaces between science + business and Germany + Silicon Valley."

Prof. Dr. Sabine Remdisch, Director
Hannah Vergossen, Research Director

What role does the LeadershipGarage play in this project and what contribution does it make?

The project represents a method to advance innovation in Germany by interlinking companies and science with Silicon Valley. This requires initiators who know these fields more than well. The LeadershipGarage provides exactly this expertise. The LeadershipGarage is a project of Leuphana University Lüneburg, Stanford University, and renowned corporate partners. Since 2014, it has successfully conducted research in a practice-oriented working atmosphere on the topics of Digital Leadership and Digital Collaboration and develops innovative solutions for leading, working, and learning in the digital world.

Why was Silicon Valley specifically chosen as the sparring partner for this project?

In Silicon Valley, flourishing companies and jobs in the innovation sector are created in a very short time. The reasons for this success lie in the networks that are as agile as they are stable, made up of established tech giants, startups, incubators, and universities, and the fruitful interaction between business and science. From this collaboration emerge the innovations that make Silicon Valley a beacon of digital future to this day. From there, we also learn how a culture must be designed to enable innovation and allow a mindset that is indispensable for innovation performance. Silicon Valley shows how such a successful innovation culture works.

How would you describe the impact of this project in one sentence?

When thought leaders from Germany engage in professionally moderated and inspiring collaboration with Silicon Valley, innovation will emerge.

LeadershipGarage

Three questions for Petra Chequer

"The transatlantic exchange at the highest management level between German companies and companies from Silicon Valley is essential to revitalize German innovation culture."

Petra Chequer, Managing Partner & Chief Transformer

How do you specifically promote transatlantic exchange at the senior management level of German companies?

Ethos8X improves the performance of executives by connecting CEOs, CXOs, board members, and senior managers with each other and supporting them through expert coaching. Together, we develop business, leadership, growth, and globalization strategies and shape their implementation. We bring together leaders from the private and public sectors as well as entrepreneurial disruptors to pave the way for transformative leadership.

What and how can German CEOs learn from Silicon Valley?

German CEOs can take away a variety of valuable lessons and best practices from Silicon Valley. First and foremost, of course, is its innovation culture: They can learn how to create a culture that promotes creativity and innovation and how to encourage their employees to contribute their ideas. They can learn how to make their organizations more agile and respond more quickly to market changes. Another success factor of Silicon Valley companies is their strongly user-centered product development. In addition, German CEOs can learn here how to strategically integrate technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, and the Internet of Things into their organization to increase their competitiveness. It's always important to note that lessons from Silicon Valley can't always be transferred one-to-one to German companies. Each company has its own challenges and framework conditions, so it's crucial to adapt the insights gained to the specific situation, integrate them into the company's own strategy, and support employees through conscious leadership in the necessary transformation in a supportive and forward-looking manner.

How would you describe the impact of this project in one sentence?

When the leading minds of German companies network with the thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and drivers of Silicon Valley, the foundation for innovation, sustainability, and conscious leadership is laid.

Three questions for Esther Maria Legant

"Building bridges for the cross-location exchange of ideas, technologies, investments, and talents is essential for the innovative strength of German companies."

Esther Maria Legant, Head of KIT Link

How do you promote the exchange of knowledge between German companies and those from Silicon Valley?

Silicon Valley is home to leading technology and internet companies; it is the global hotspot of the startup scene. This atmosphere needs to be utilized to sharpen an innovative working environment in the German research landscape as well. This requires a transatlantic network of innovative, high-quality research to build future potential. We create these networks through various cross-location events. We also create opportunities for responsible change. We promote access to the digital prerequisites for successful cooperation through tools such as blockchain, cloud services, open knowledge programs, transfer learning, and AI applications. The goal is to create a network for the preparation of research and innovation topics between organizations from Silicon Valley and Germany.

Why is the representation of the German research landscape in Silicon Valley so important for Germany?

Silicon Valley is considered the place where future technological ideas and innovations are born, tested, and adapted – which is precisely where ideas about future technologies and innovation management must be exchanged. Already, progress in AI research and its application, for example, is redefining balances worldwide. The answers to future questions cannot be found solely at the national level but require cross-location collaboration. For Germany, it is of great importance to deepen its partnership with the USA and to utilize its complementary technological, academic, and economic strengths.

How would you describe the impact of this project in one sentence?

The innovation ecosystems in the USA and Germany must continue to adapt – it is time to promote a transatlantic partnership.

esther.legant@kit.edu

KIT Link

Three questions for Dr. Kai Westerwelle

"We see ourselves as an ideal platform to establish German companies in Silicon Valley, generate appropriate contacts, and thereby strengthen their innovation performance."

Dr. Kai Westerwelle, GABA Board Chair

The German American Business Association of California (GABA) has been acting as a pillar for transatlantic business relationships for over two decades. Could you explain the core mission and supporting values of the organization?

Of course! GABA sees itself as the leading interface for transatlantic business contacts between California/USA and Germany/Europe. Our focus rests on three pillars:

  • Excellent networking opportunities: We create targeted connections to professionals and companies that are active in both markets or aspire to be.
  • High-caliber events: Our events cover a broad spectrum of topics, from technology and innovation to legal and cultural aspects of international business.
  • Engaged community:: We offer a platform for decision-makers and professionals who want to actively exchange ideas and promote each other. Our values are unambiguous: We focus on community, trust, and building long-term, fruitful relationships.

What added value does GABA offer its members and partners?

Excellent question. GABA stands for a triad of added value that goes far beyond typical networking:

  • Targeted networking: We connect German and American companies not only with each other but also with relevant stakeholders, from investors to political decision-makers.
  • Practical events: Our event calendar is not only packed but also carefully curated. We offer specialist events, workshops, and roundtables that provide actionable insights.
  • Dynamic professional community: Our members benefit from an active knowledge and experience exchange platform, complemented by regular updates, webinars, and publications. In short, GABA acts as a catalyst for innovation and growth. We offer a holistic approach to navigate and succeed in the complexity of the German-American business environment.

Given the increase in global challenges, how does GABA see its role in the context of international co-creation and joint efforts, such as the Trans-Nation Co-Creation Initiative?

GABA has recognized that isolated efforts are insufficient to address complex challenges in an increasingly interconnected world. Therefore, we see ourselves as enablers of international co-creation and collaboration. Through partnership with initiatives like the Trans-Nation Co-Creation project, we aim to extend our mission of promoting German-American business relationships to a broader, global platform. We believe that it is through such joint efforts that organizations can truly adapt, renew, and succeed in a fast-paced global market.

Three questions for Oliver Hanisch

"We see the urgency for German companies to increase their innovation performance, build an independent innovation culture, and network with other innovation drivers in order to meet the innovation demands of the future."

Oliver Hanisch, CEO of Campus Founders
Johannes Schnabel, Director of Program

How do you specifically support science-based startups on their path to market readiness?

Our support for science-based startups aims to accompany them on their path to market readiness. For this purpose, we provide various programs and resources, such as our AI Founders Accelerator. We offer coaching and mentoring to help with the development of ideas, business models, and market entry strategies. Further support consists of organizing networking opportunities, such as the Heilbronn Slush'D, where founders have the chance to meet potential partners, investors, and customers. We also assist startups with financing generation. In short, we see ourselves as a hub for entrepreneurship and co-innovation and accompany innovators on their entrepreneurial journey. Our active community is a central platform for collaboration, joint innovation, and exchange.

What can German companies learn from Silicon Valley's startup culture?

The startup culture is agile and innovative, which alone is an exciting model for traditional German companies. Possible lessons that can be derived from this include, for example, rapid prototyping and testing of ideas.

Startups, especially in Silicon Valley, are known for their ability to test their ideas quickly and early with customers. German companies can also benefit from this approach because it allows them to bring innovative products or services to market faster. They can also learn from startups' ability to collaborate. Startups often actively seek cooperation and partnerships to accelerate their growth. Added to this is their flexibility and adaptability: startups can quickly adjust to changing market conditions. For German companies, this would mean adapting their structures and processes in the future to become more agile and responsive.

How would you describe the impact of this project in one sentence?

The connection between startup culture and Silicon Valley culture can help German companies understand how startups quickly develop new products, in order to then develop their own innovation culture.

Campus Founders

Three Questions for Mirko Wutzler and Juliane Nandra

"To strengthen the innovation performance of German companies, we as an innovation outpost in Silicon Valley drive the transatlantic ecosystem forward and empower its stakeholders to become pioneers of a sustainable and flourishing future."

Mirko Wutzler, Vice President
Juliane Nandra, Director Corporate Innovation & Partnerships

How do you specifically support German companies on their path to transatlantic cooperation?

The AHK SF supports German companies with a wide range of services. What's special about Silicon Valley is the access to future technologies and best practices for integrating these into companies. Through AHK's innovation programs, companies can experience and learn about the unique ecosystem, a variety of innovation methods, best practices, industry trends, and the Silicon Valley mindset. 

With the organization of professionally relevant networking events, GACC provides a platform for transatlantic knowledge transfer and exchange of ideas. 

In addition, the service portfolio includes market development consulting, market analyses, the initiation of transatlantic business relationships, and (virtual) US office options.

What can German companies learn about innovation culture in the USA, especially in Silicon Valley?

There are several aspects, starting with the proverbial entrepreneurial spirit: a strong culture of creativity and entrepreneurship promotes innovation. Companies in Silicon Valley are often more willing to take risks than their German counterparts and ready to make bold decisions, which in turn leads to faster implementation of innovative ideas. "Rapid prototyping" centered around user needs (both in product development and services) is at the forefront. Customer feedback is gathered very early to learn from each other and make quick adjustments.

Also the openness to collaboration and sharing ideas play a crucial role. Especially in Silicon Valley, companies, universities, and startups frequently work closely together. This promotes the development of talent that is essential for innovation success. San Francisco and especially Silicon Valley attract talent from all over the world. Here, one can learn how to create an inspiring environment for potential development and which technology and leadership factors contribute to maximizing creative and economic potential. 

Those who immerse themselves in Silicon Valley and surround themselves with the world's best innovators, understand groundbreaking future technologies, and experience the success stories of others, often return home with new confidence to tackle difficult/new topics.

How would you describe the impact of this project in one sentence?

It is essential to promote transatlantic exchange of knowledge, ideas, and resources with ecosystem #1 for innovation & transformation, Silicon Valley, in order to increase the competitiveness and agility of German companies.