Close and dynamic relationships, such as those between the KIRI Kiel Institute at Christian-Albrechts-University and the RIE Initiative at the Lam Family College of Business at San Francisco State University, are a key feature of the city partnership between Kiel and San Francisco.

International Conference on Science and Entrepreneurship

Joint projects, such as the „Responsible Innovation and Entrepreneurship Conference,“ make these connections tangible and are highly valued. Dr. Christina Schubert, Director of Education, Youth, and Culture for the City of Kiel, also emphasized this in her speech at the welcome reception held at the state capital’s sailing camp.

International researchers—including a large delegation from Kiel’s sister city, San Francisco—as well as entrepreneurs and practitioners demonstrated just how diverse the perspectives on responsible innovation are and how much better the solutions become when we seek them out together.

Focus Topic: Cooperation Among the Bay Areas

The call for international cooperation and shared values was also evident during the panel discussion titled „Cooperation in the Field of Responsible Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the Bay Areas.“.

In a conversation with Simone Menne, President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Germany, Oliver Schramm (GAGA Institute), Christopher Gruber (PEUKA), Ian C. Sinapuelas, Sybil Yang, and Ryder Ollis (all from SFSU), and Axel Schulz (TBA) shared their perspectives and experiences on the topic.

The bottom line from the panel:

• The American side stands for enthusiasm, speed, and a willingness to get started even without a perfect plan.
• The German side brings a focus on thoroughness, risk assessment, and consideration of long-term impacts.
• Both approaches have their limitations when considered on their own. Together, we can overcome these limitations and bring about changes that benefit everyone.
• It is also our responsibility not to let this opportunity slip by unused.

Many thanks to everyone who made this conference possible: Carsten Schultz, Claudia Buengeler, Stefan Hoffmann, Achim Walter, Dr. Svenja Sievers, Minu Kumar, Chenwei Li, Yikuan Lee, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Cathrin Truckenbrodt, Frauke Wiprich, Kiel-Marketing e.V. / GmbH, Science Comes to Town