Jürgen Raizner, Director of the Steinbeis Centre, provided the participants with in-depth insights into international collaboration. At the request of the Moldovan visitors, he also focused on the nuances of negotiating with German business partners.

The circular building sector is rooted in an economic model that prioritizes extending the lifespan of products, minimizing waste through reuse and recycling, and fostering social and economic growth. This approach not only reduces environmental impact but also promotes prosperity across industries.

Driving Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange

The event centred around fostering meaningful exchanges between the 17 visiting entrepreneurs and Jürgen Raizner. Representing a diverse range of industries—including construction, food production, electronics, IT, and services—the delegation sought sustainable partnerships and opportunities to benefit from German expertise.

Raizner highlighted the strengths of the Steinbeis network, which spans over 1,100 companies worldwide and serves as a solutions-driven platform for knowledge transfer and economic innovation. He showcased specific projects, such as preparing an overseas production site with over 600 jobs, where the Republic of Moldova was evaluated as a potential location. Other examples, like the swift market entry of a German automotive supplier in Romania, demonstrated the practical relevance of Steinbeis enterprises on the ground. Raizner himself leads Steinbeis initiatives in Romania, Azerbaijan, and Ukraine.

Intercultural Competence: A Key to Success

For more than three decades, the Steinbeis Transfer Centre has been a driving force behind economic cooperation between Eastern and Western Europe. From supporting production setups to developing energy efficiency projects, the network also serves as a platform for fostering innovation and strengthening businesses through access to funding opportunities.

The event underscored the critical role of knowledge transfer and economic networking in tackling global challenges and promoting sustainable growth. Current projects, such as facilitating joint production ventures in Ukraine and promoting energy-efficient building measures in Romania, offered the Moldovan delegation tangible examples of the Centre’s impact.

Intercultural competence emerged as a decisive factor for success. Differences in working styles between Moldova and Germany were discussed, with Moldovan participants expressing surprise at the often-lengthy decision-making processes on the German side. Establishing connections with German businesses remains a challenge for Moldovan entrepreneurs.

“Ave Europa” – A Symbol of Collaboration

The chosen venue for the event, the monastery of the Ave Maria pilgrimage church in Deggingen, provided a setting that transcended economic discussions. Against the backdrop of shifting dynamics in Europe and beyond, the need for hope and trust took centre stage. To address these challenges, Raizner announced a new series of events titled “Ave Europa.” These gatherings will bring together entrepreneurs from the region to collaboratively develop solutions for geopolitical and economic challenges. Raizner firmly believes that local initiatives can have a global impact.

Building Sustainable Partnerships

As the event concluded, participants were invited to share their ideas and visions for joint projects and long-term partnerships. “We look forward to working with you to create a stronger, more connected future,” Raizner emphasized in his closing remarks.