Helmut Leopold (AIT): Digitalization as social change

Helmut Leopold emphasized that digitalization not only affects technology, but also transforms working environments, economic structures and social power relations. A key problem is that many companies misunderstand digitalization as a purely IT issue – for example, as the purchase of software or hardware. In reality, it is about far-reaching changes to processes, responsibilities and skills.

One particularly controversial topic is the loss of traditional job profiles due to AI. Leopold asked provocatively: “If basic skills are replaced by AI, who will train the experts of tomorrow?” At the same time, power structures are changing: those who control data and technologies are gaining influence, while others are losing importance. This leads to resistance and blockades that hinder digital change.

Another focus was on the crisis of truth in the digital age. The internet, once celebrated as a “liberation technology”, has now become the biggest disinformation platform. Leopold warned: “If nothing is recognizable as true anymore, the internet will lose its social value.” Hybrid threats – i.e. the combination of cyber attacks, disinformation and physical attacks – endanger not only companies, but entire democracies.

For Leopold, cyber security is a basic prerequisite for a functioning digital society. He pleaded for “security by design” – i.e. security that is integrated into systems from the outset – and for European solutions to regain data sovereignty. Austria is already a pioneer with projects such as the fake store detector and cyber security training for critical infrastructures. However, the biggest challenge remains: “Only a few global platforms control 70-80% of all data. We must not allow a few players to decide the future.”

Isabell Claus (Thinkers.ai): AI, economic power and the need for leadership

Isabell Claus analyzed how artificial intelligence (AI) enables new business models – and at the same time requires fundamental changes in companies and society. She referred to examples of companies growing from a turnover of one million to 100 million euros in just a few months. However, many failed due to a lack of vision, a lack of AI expertise at management level and rigid structures.

Claus emphasized: “Those who don’t understand AI will be left behind.” A culture of adaptability in which people and AI systems collaborate is crucial. At the same time, cyber security is not just an IT issue, but an economic factor. Hybrid threats and disinformation are social risks for which 99% of companies are not prepared. Claus called for more awareness and education – from schools to managers – as well as European sovereignty: “We must regain data sovereignty and technological independence, otherwise we will not only lose markets, but also geopolitical influence.”

Adrian Pinter (Siemens): Industrial digitization and the urgency of cyber security

Adrian Pinter also made it clear that cyber security in an industrial context is not an option, but a question of survival. Modern products – from cars to medical technology – are now “moving computers” whose networking and complexity create new risks. Pinter criticized: “In the past, an engineer understood his entire system. Today, nobody understands it anymore.”

One alarming example: with an estimated turnover of over 10 trillion dollars (2028), cybercrime has surpassed the economic power of Germany and Japan combined. This shows how urgent industrial cyber security is.

Siemens relies on the “Industrial Metaverse” – a digital representation of physical systems that minimizes risks through AI, digital twins and real-time data. Pinter presented a five-phase plan for those who want to move towards greater cyber security. This initially comprises an assessment of the current situation (Where do I stand?), then the identification of critical assets (What do I need to protect?), the implementation of protective measures (e.g. security by design), threat detection (using AI-supported monitoring tools), a plan in the event of an attack and finally continuous improvement (“Cyber security is not a project, but a process”).