13 Sep 2022

IFA+ Summit thought leaders discuss risks and rewards of deglobalisation

Deglobalisation, digitisation and sustainability were the main themes of the IFA+ Summit 2022, IFA’s dedicated digital future think-tank.

Opening the event, representatives described IFA as a place not only to do business and showcase the latest innovations, but also to discuss the latest developments in our economy, ecology and societies. Summarising the most recent challenges – climate change, coronavirus, the invasion of Ukraine and rising energy costs – the audience took a deep dive into Monday’s motto: deglobalisation, the universal remedy?

Distinguished speakers took to the stage on Monday, including the world renowned philosopher Prof Peter Sloterdijk, who delivered a sobering speech on the “historical restlessness of the contemporary world” and “witnessing through disruption.”

Recalling how German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced a ‘turn of the tide’ following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, he said: “A new vector in the course of world events had broken.” A similar tendency, he proclaimed, could be observed through French President Emmanuel Macron’s speech at the Élysée last month and his call to be prepared for three calamitous changes: the end of abundance, the end of the self evident, and the end of indifference. The philosopher later pondered the pandemic border closures as a “premonition of the potential destination of deglobalisation” and said he is “convinced” that technology advances hold solutions to the environmental crisis.

Additional morning events included comments from Professor Ronny Fürst, of AKAD University, on the possibility of deglobalisation and its risks. Research on consumer sentiment towards globalisation was presented by Dr Sara Warneke, MD at gfu Consumer & Home Electronics. A panel discussion on globalisation vs deglobalisation was then held between delegates from Greenpeace, diffferent strategy consultancy, DIHK, and DIW Berlin.

Also on the IFA+ Summit stage was Prof Lisandra Flach, of the ifo Institute, who took the audience on a deep dive of supply chains and the importance of nearshoring. Innovation expert Jule Bosch spoke on issues of sustainability and whether deglobalisation has the power to save the environment followed by a talk with Germany’s minister for the environment Jurgen Trittin. Joyce Gesing, CCO of Severin, later presented a thought provoking case study on resiliency and transformation in the face of deglobalisation.

Photo: IFA+ Summit 2022 IN THE FACE OF DISRUPTION “De/Globalization – The Universal Remedy?” Peter Sloterdijk, Philosopher


Deglobalisation and the reshoring approach


Professor Ronny Alexander Fürst, AKAD University in Germany, explored tensions between the economy, sustainability and political interests at the IFA+ Summit.

“Globalisation will continue… will increase and continue to add value to all of us,” Prof Fürst stated first and foremost. He highlighted how the highly talked about phenomenon has contributed towards the decentralisation of economic power and crisis impact, with no single territory having more than 20% of the world’s GDP. Reshoring is a common approach, Prof Fürst said, referencing the trend of regionalisation to develop global crisis resilience. He also spoke about a new world with new challenges along with his thesis on how digital leadership and a readiness to develop can create an ability to overcome global crisis.

IFA+ Summit 2022 DEGLOBALIZATION – CHANCE OR RISK? “Tensions between Economy, Sustainability & Political Interests” Prof. Dr. Ronny Alexander Fürst, AKAD University