Focus groups:
Helping to shape
digitalisation
As central components of the association’s work, the focus groups allow every member to actively shape the content and direction of digitalHUB’s activities. The recommendations developed within the groups are used by the executive board to guide and refine the association’s offerings. The elected speaker represents the focus group on the executive board. The following focus groups are currently active:
Cybersecurity
The group wants to bring transparency to the topic of cybersecurity and create a corresponding awareness in companies. In doing so, corresponding event formats for the Aachen Area are to be realised. At the same time, the group offers a platform for informal exchange.
Initiator/Speaker: Dr. Walter Plesnik, Ingenieurbüro Dr. Plesnik GmbH
Representative: Frank Wiesenfeller, CEO, netsharqs GmbH
Digital strategy
The members design strategies and tools for working in the digitalHUB. It aims to create optimal conditions for the development of successful digital business models.
Initiator/Speaker: Carlo Matic, interactive pioneers GmbH
Representative: Stefan Fritz, Lunaix GmbH
Ethics
The Ethics focus group is a network of experts in ethical risks. Its members provide targeted support by connecting the right people to address specific challenges. This includes linking purpose-driven narratives, value dimensions, and product development (Ethics by Design), identifying and advising on ethical risks in business ideas, offering guidance on value-based conflicts and decision-making, and supporting responsibilities related to personnel management and recruiting, among other areas.
Initiator/Speaker: Dr. Angela Reinders, Bistum Aachen
Representative: Artur Janiszek, Eldertech GmbH
Health
The team is developing a regional master plan for digitalisation in health. This shows how the implementation of telemedical applications in the region can be promoted and the added value of digitalisation for medical care can be made visible, as well as how the region can be positioned as a region of innovation in the digital health industry.
Initiator/Speaker: Ulla Thönnissen, Region Aachen – Zweckverband
Representative: Prof. Dr. Dr. Michael Czaplik, Docs in Clouds TeleCare GmbH
Internationalization
The Internationalization focus group is a forum for all members who are already active internationally or are currently developing their internationalization strategy. Through exchange and dialogue, members receive guidance and support for their expansion plans, including practical advice, funding opportunities, legal considerations, and other strategic aspects.
Discussions take place in an informal setting, while the group also aims to gather the insights gained and make them available to all members within the coming months.
Speaker: Sven Pietsch, Innoloft
Representative: N.N.
Artificial intelligence
The AI focus group acts as a lively forum in which enthusiasts and experts actively discuss artificial intelligence. Not only is this a place to share experiences, but also to engage in intensive brainstorming, particularly with regard to the diverse application scenarios of AI, for example in automated production or customer service. The group serves as a central meeting point for all those who share a deep interest in the possibilities and developments of artificial intelligence.
Speaker: Stefan Kirch, Bauer + Kirch GmbH
Representative: Marcel Verkooyen, Verkooyen Informatics and Media
New Education
The New Education focus group is a network of interdisciplinary stakeholders and enthusiasts who want to take joint responsibility for the educational success of future generations. The aim is to drive forward projects that enable digitalised, user-centric, learning & innovation-promoting and sustainable learning and increase equal opportunities in education.
Speaker: Dr Thomas Köhler, Drees & Sommer SE
Representative: Ricardo Strauff, Simplex Education GmbH
OpenData
The OpenData focus group explores the potential of open data through a regional open data strategy and practical applications. Planned activities include networking municipalities within the region, public and private companies, and universities, as well as fostering collaboration with startups.
Initiator/Speaker: Dieter Rehfeld, regioIT GmbH
Representative: Norbert Dödtmann, City of Aachen
Planning and construction – digital processes
The focus group Planning and construction is a group of the AACHEN BUILDING EXPERTS e.V. (ABE) under the umbrella of digitalHUB Aachen e.V.. The members deal with digitalisation in the field of construction, architecture and building technology. The focus is on the modernisation of construction processes, optimisation of building materials or the planning and development of digital buildings. Above all, however, it is also about networking start-ups with innovative ideas with established companies in the construction and real estate industry and promoting their cooperation.
Initiator/Speaker: Sylvia C. Schuster, Projektitekt
Representative: Goar T. Werner, AACHEN BUILDING EXPERTS e.V.
Region Aachen
It is about bringing the topic of digitalisation to the economic region of Aachen and addressing companies in rural areas in particular. Furthermore, the participants develop digital offers for regional business development. The work forms a bridge to the offers of the digitalHUB Aachen.
A key instrument of this focus group is the annual digitalPIONEER award, which recognizes digital pioneers within the region. By presenting best-practice examples, the award raises awareness of digitalization among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The jury is composed of the focus group speakers within digitalHUB, while AGIT, in its role as spokesperson of the group, coordinates the process. More information: digitalPIONEER.
Initiator/Speaker: Sven Pennings, AGIT mbH
Representative: N.N.
Smart City
The members want to make an active contribution to a smarter city and are working on topics such as “contribution of cities to the smart city” or “real laboratory”. It is also about the implementation of business models, their prerequisites and possible applications.
Initiator/Speaker: Dieter Begaß, City of Aachen
Representative: Dr. Frank Hees, RWTH Aachen
Start-up
The focus group offers a dynamic network for founders, innovators, and everyone passionate about the world of startups. It is a place where ideas are developed, challenges are discussed, and experiences are shared. The group serves as an inspiring meeting point for all members of digitalHUB who embody an entrepreneurial spirit and wish to work together on forward-looking solutions.
Speaker: Michael Krauß, Claracare
Representative: Jörg Spangenberg, 4D sustain
Sustainability & Social Entrepreneurship
The group develops projects and collaborations within the Aachen Area and the digitalHUB that solve social and ecological problems while strengthening competitiveness. Members who deal with concrete questions on the strategic use of economic, ecological and social aspects are in the right place here.
Speaker: N.N.
Representative: Sabine Rieth, FH Aachen
