Over the last couple of years, the research field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made impressive progress. Automated translation services, voice-controlled digital assistants, self-driving cars, world-class algorithms and other novelties have long made it to headlines – and our homes.

Nothing is more important than ensuring that our employees return home safe and sound every day. As a member of the Executive Board of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, I take this responsibility very seriously.

Global pandemics, supply chain bottlenecks, a war in Europe – previously unimaginable worst-case scenarios have become reality. Our politicians are talking about the dawn of a new era. History is at a turning point.

In February, the EU Commission announced the European Chips Act. The plan is to mobilize more than € 43 billion from EU funds and member countries in order to strengthen semiconductor technology capacities and increase the EU’s share of global semiconductor production.

These days, every company needs to include sustainability in its business strategy. Overcoming global challenges requires top innovation performance from everyone. At Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, we have set ourselves specific sustainability goals for shaping a more livable future.

Mobile devices with flexible displays: Multiple manufacturers of mobile communication devices have already announced them, and others have followed at the Mobile World Congress (MCW) in Barcelona last week.

The Munich Security Conference (MSC) - In conversation with Alex Karp, CEO Palantir

Digitalization is transforming not only our lives, but also the world of work. Digital literacy training and continuing education are therefore more important than ever.

2021 was a year of extremes for the semiconductor and electronics industry. On the one hand, demand for chips has never been higher. On the other hand, the Covid-19 pandemic has shaken global supply chains so hard that semiconductors have become a scarce commodity and will remain so in the future.

Markets change, new technologies upend business models, global crises like the Covid-19 pandemic occur — today, more than ever, companies are finding that they repeatedly have to change or reinvent themselves.