With the International Day of Education on January 24, the United Nations is underscoring the importance of lifelong learning to the continuous development of individuals and sustainable development of societies.

Smart factories are already taking shape. They are modular, interconnected and self-learning. But the use of digital technologies and innovations is not limited to making production more flexible and efficient.

The semiconductor industry has grown at a breathtaking pace in recent years. As the demand for semiconductors rises rapidly, so does the need for skilled professionals, further intensifying competition for talent with key skills.

Global supply chains are increasingly in the public eye – not just due to their vulnerability, which was clearly revealed by the Covid-19 pandemic and the war of aggression against Ukraine.

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.