Peers around the world: diversity, sustainability, and collaboration: the keys to Berlin Adlershof’s innovative community

In our continuing "Peers Around the World" series, where we speak with global leaders in innovation spaces, we sit down with Roland Sillmann, CEO of Berlin Adlershof (Germany). He tells us about the park’s rich history, looking after diversity and future generations, and the sustainable evolution of their innovation ecosystem. 

Berlin Adlershof has a rich centenary history and is noted as 'Berlin’s smartest neighbourhood'. How do these unique attributes impact the culture, strategic development, and the innovative spirit of the park and its community?

The history of Berlin Adlershof is a rich tapestry of innovation and evolution, dating back to the early 20th century when it became home to Germany's first motorized airfield. This heritage not only excites people but, coupled with Adlershof's status as 'Berlin's smartest neighborhood,' instills a sense of pride. It fortifies community bonds and molds a distinctive culture. Individuals cherish being part of a locale steeped in history, where innovation and research are time-honored traditions.

Today's stakeholders in Adlershof are deeply committed to the pioneering legacy of those early aeronautics visionaries. A century ago, these innovators addressed the most daunting technical challenges of their era. Now, modern-day trailblazers at Adlershof are dedicated to conquering the grand challenges of our time. Consequently, the 'Adlershof' brand has become a magnet for top talents and enterprises globally, fostering a dynamic ecosystem. In an age where every location vies for elite professionals, this serves as a significant edge.

With a vibrant mix of 190 nationalities in Berlin, how does such diverse and global community culture influence and enrich the innovative and entrepreneurial atmosphere within your innovation ecosystem?

Berlin’s diverse and global nature profoundly shapes and enhances the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit pulsating through our innovation ecosystem. This mosaic, drawn from myriad nationalities, melds a spectrum of perspectives, experiences, and ideas, creating an electrifying environment that inevitably ignites innovation and fosters ideas inconceivable in a homogeneous setting. Such diversity not only catalyzes creative thought but also facilitates the exchange of knowledge and industry best practices, spurring the creation of groundbreaking solutions. As the governing body of the Adlershof Technology Park, we are staunch advocates for diversity, providing steadfast support to companies in deploying relevant initiatives and offering further education, such as training on effectively managing highly diverse teams.

Berlin's international allure draws inquisitive minds from every corner of the globe, all of whom cherish the dynamism of an intercultural workspace. This cosmopolitan ethos underpins international collaborations, opens gateways to global markets, and cultivates a worldly outlook within our innovation ecosystem. In essence, Berlin's multifaceted and global community culture is a wellspring of creativity, providing an indispensable impetus in sustaining our innovation ecosystem at the vanguard of ingenuity and entrepreneurship.

Emphasizing sustainability and nurturing the next generation are priorities for Berlin Adlershof. Which initiatives of your innovation community converge to foster talent and ensure a sustainable evolution of the ecosystem?

Adlershof's mission is to catalyse technological innovation that addresses the Grand Challenges of our era. Our strategy encompasses the creation of novel materials, breakthroughs in sustainable energy, and advances towards green IT—all achieved through the synergy of science and industry. Yet, to actualize these ambitions, we require not only state-of-the-art infrastructure but also highly skilled and driven individuals. That's why we're transforming Adlershof into a hub that’s as efficient as it is climate-neutral, making it an ideal destination for purpose-driven professionals. Concurrently, we're launching diverse initiatives designed to ignite a passion for STEM careers among teenagers, with a special emphasis on encouraging young women. Furthermore, with the institution of the WISTA Academy, we commit to the ongoing education and development of our on-site workforce. This concerted approach cultivates an ecosystem equipped with both the perfect infrastructure and the right talent to tackle global concerns, including climate change.

With the development of Berlin Adlershof’s digital twin and the ‘ColHybri’ project, how are you navigating and adapting physical and digital workspaces to meet the shifting requirements of innovative enterprises and hybrid work models?"

We employ digital twins across a spectrum of applications, with the paramount one representing the energy and traffic flows throughout the entire Science and Technology Park. This tool empowers us to assess and expedite the transition of Adlershof into a climate-neutral zone, while also monitoring the efficacy of measures implemented. Our dedication to climate neutrality bolsters our ability to attract and retain exceptional talent.

In collaboration with universities through the ColHybri project, we strive to understand the optimal conditions that enable our impact-driven professionals to perform at their peak—both efficiently and healthfully. The objective is to amalgamate the benefits of remote and on-site work, thereby mitigating any inherent drawbacks from each mode. Insights gleaned from this project are not merely theoretical; we actualize them within our infrastructure and through advanced training opportunities provided by the WISTA Academy.

Our initiatives are intricately interwoven, leveraging scientific prowess to sculpt the future of Adlershof.

Collaboration, be it local or global, plays a crucial role in innovation and development. Could you share insights into how various partnerships have moulded Berlin Adlershof’s story, and how they contribute to perpetuating the innovative spirit of the community?

Collaboration stands as a pivotal catalyst for innovation at Berlin Adlershof. Numerous companies benefit from the convenience of having business partners within the park, enabling swift and supportive interactions. In the realm of R&D and innovation, Adlershof gains a significant edge by hosting both a university and extramural research institutions, predominantly focused on the natural sciences. This fusion creates an optimal landscape for knowledge sharing and collaborative research. As the managerial entity of the Adlershof Technology Park, WISTA orchestrates a synergy between companies and scientific institutions, thereby facilitating cooperative endeavors and simplifying the birth of cutting-edge technologies. One must not overlook the serendipitous power of physical proximity; casual encounters during lunch breaks often spark the most brilliant ideas and partnerships.

Berlin Adlershof also extends its collaborative reach through active participation in global partnerships and EU-funded research programs. This international engagement not only eases access to global markets, but simultaneously enriches the park's innovative ecosystem, spurring the evolution of inventive solutions and the proliferation of startups. In essence, collaboration, both on local soil and the international stage, is instrumental in sculpting the legacy of Berlin Adlershof and nurturing its innovative ethos. One should not underestimate the power of serendipity because of physical proximity; casual encounters during lunch breaks often spark the most brilliant ideas and partnerships.

We were thrilled by your presentation at IASP Luxembourg 2023 on future-oriented work environments, and would love to know how you experienced the global conversation our conference facilitates and inspires?

The IASP Luxembourg 2023 conference proved to be an enlightening experience, convening professionals globally to deliberate on the future of work environments and infrastructures. Understandably, challenges and solutions vary across countries, but it's precisely this diversity that enriches the dialogue, continually opening avenues to fresh perspectives.

The event was further enhanced by ample networking opportunities and engaging discussions on burgeoning trends, including remote work and digital transformation, all of which contributed significant value. Participating in a global community committed to propelling innovation and sculpting the future was nothing short of exhilarating.

Reflecting on Berlin Adlershof’s trajectory and your own experiences, what pieces of wisdom might you offer to emerging entrepreneurs and innovators? And as we look towards the future, what are your aspirations for guiding Berlin Adlershof and the larger innovation ecosystem towards new levels of achievement?

First and foremost, remain authentic. Assess your capabilities and desires. Envision your destination, then craft a strategy to reach it, while retaining the flexibility to continuously refine this plan. Recognize that success often requires a willingness to share; concentrate on collaboration and engage with local networks to connect with individuals of similar passion, supporting one another through contacts, knowledge, or infrastructure. In the absence of such networks, take the initiative to establish them. Beyond a groundbreaking product idea that addresses human needs, your team is paramount. Your enterprise's success hinges on its members. Assemble a diverse, skilled team committed to your vision and motivated by purpose. Treat setbacks as educational stepping stones, and maintain adaptability and agility to fortify your long-term resilience. Persist with determination, embracing lessons from both your experiences and those of others. And remember, the journey should be enjoyed  as well.

Looking ahead, I aspire for companies and institutions in Adlershof to sustain their forward-thinking perspectives. Only through an optimistic mindset and a steadfast belief in the future can we effectively contribute to resolving the so-called 'Grand Challenges.' My ambition at the innovation helm is to ensure that Adlershof Technology Park persists as a crucible for 'made in Adlershof' solutions, such as ones that either mitigate climate change or enhance renewable energy technologies.

My goal is to steer and shepherd Berlin Adlershof and its innovation ecosystem towards sustainable expansion rooted in the site's diversity. I aim to bolster nascent technologies and sectors, amplify international partnerships, and advocate for entrepreneurial education and mentorship. Through these endeavours, we can forge a vibrant innovation ecosystem that magnetizes a diverse range of talents, stimulates economic prosperity, and confronts global predicaments.