New event format for digitalization, sustainability, and new forms of work

Transformation Forum is a multi-perspective forum for exploring the challenges and success factors of organizational transformation in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. By combining scientific insights with real-world experiences, the event aims to deepen understanding of the so-called “Triple Transformation” — digitalization, sustainability, and social change — and to discuss why many transformation efforts fail. Through expert presentations, small group discussions, and interactive exchanges, participants are encouraged to reflect on and engage with the complexity of transformation processes in a holistic way.

On May 15, the first Transformationsforum of the Plattform Industrie 4.0 took place – a new event format bringing together experts from various fields to discuss the major change processes of our time: digitalization, sustainability, and new forms of work. The focus was on experiences, analyses, and practical approaches for shaping a future-ready industry, with three diverse but complementary keynote presentations.

Sebastian Schlund: Triple Transformation – Shaping the Future of Work

Sebastian Schlund (Fraunhofer Austria, TU Wien) introduced the concept of “Triple Transformation” – digitalization, sustainability, and human-centered change – and added a fourth key dimension: competitiveness. He emphasized the interdependencies and conflicts between these aspects, especially the challenge of balancing simultaneous goals. Schlund argued that a strong industrial base is essential for achieving environmental and social objectives, and that the future of work is not about job loss, but about reshaping tasks in a human-centered way.

Peter Obermair & Stefan Novoszel: Critical Success Factors in Transformation Projects

Peter Obermair (formways GmbH) and Stefan Novoszel (Tietoevry) shared practical insights into why digital transformation projects often fail. The key issues are rarely technical – they stem from vague goals, poor communication, overwhelmed leadership, and ignored cultural resistance. They highlighted four success factors: a clear “why”, realistic planning, continuous communication, and cultural change.

Thomas Welser: Transformation in Practice – Insights into Welser Profiles

Thomas Welser, CEO of Welser Profile, gave a hands-on example of transformation in a family-owned industrial company. Since 2018, Welser has undergone a deep cultural transformation centered around participation, values, and learning. Their “1plus” transformation program and the internally developed “Welser Operating System” aim to foster autonomy, responsibility, and long-term resilience.

Highlights

The contributions by Sebastian Schlund, Peter Obermair, Stefan Novoszel and Thomas Welser made it clear how complex this change is, but also how it can be shaped. What is needed are differentiated analyses, clear target visions, cultural willingness to learn and practical solutions on the ground. This is the only way to further develop the industry in a future-proof, resilient and human-centered way.

What comes next

Further transformation forums will address safety & security as well as supply chain issues. The results will feed into the strategy development process.