14. International Restructuring Symposium 2025

From 09:00 To 17:00

FH Kufstein Tirol

Fri 17 Oct

Our 14th Corporate Conference was dedicated to transformation, orientation, and the necessity of change. Under this year’s guiding theme, Where do we stand?, we explored key challenges facing business and society — with a focus on realism, perspective, and a forward-looking mindset.

The day began with a look to the East: journalist Felix Lee provided fascinating insights into China’s current political and economic strategies and their implications for the global order. The following session turned the spotlight on our core industries – automotive and mechanical engineering – asking how these sectors can respond to growing pressure and structural transformation while remaining resilient and competitive.

A particularly provocative and forward-thinking highlight was the debate around a potential “restructuring report” for the country – an intellectual stimulus that encouraged critical reflection and lively discussion.

The afternoon was all about Tech to the People. Company representatives demonstrated how digitalization and artificial intelligence are already being applied in practice – from developing data-driven business models to transforming traditional manufacturing companies into digital ecosystems.

• Opening video | LinkedIn

CHINA ON THE WAY TO BECOMING A WORLD POWER

A new economic order seems to be taking shape. China is aspiring to global leadership - both politically and economically. But growth has slowed in recent years. Contributing factors include an ageing population, structural imbalances, geopolitical tensions and a shift from an export-driven industrial economy to an innovation-driven consumer economy. To ensure long-term stability, the government is increasingly focusing on technological self-sufficiency, green transformation and digitalization.

The party for our automotive industry is over

No return to former glories: The shift to electric mobility is putting pressure on traditional manufacturers as new competitors - especially from China - storm the market with innovative and affordable models. High production costs, a shortage of skilled labor, and sluggish approval processes are slowing the pace of innovation. To remain competitive on the global stage, European automakers and suppliers need to fundamentally modernize their business models.

Our host Markus Exler joined Alexander Jaroschinsky (EY-Parthenon) on the Roadshow Automotive 2025 tour of various major German cities, initiated by our colleagues at Keyplayer Interim Management. They reported on their experiences and discussions with entrepreneurs from the supply industry at the subsequent panel discussion.

Machine Building – once the backbone of our industry

The machinery sector is facing mounting challenges. High energy and labor costs, supply chain disruptions, and a severe shortage of skilled workers are putting companies under pressure. At the same time, international competitors—especially from Asia—are catching up technologically and offering more affordable alternatives. What’s more, many companies lack the digitalization and innovation momentum needed to tap into new markets and business models. Without these, the industry risks a gradual decline in relevance on the global stage.

From crisis to innovation: a restructuring report for the future of OUR COUNTRy

In an exciting panel, host Markus W. Exler will raise the question of what a restructuring report could look like that addresses both the causes of the current crises and the necessary measures for the future of our country. Together with Felix Lee, Alexander Jaroschinsky and other experts, he will discuss what content such a report should contain. A key topic could be the need for society to focus more on digitalization, artificial intelligence and autonomous driving. Under the motto 'Tech to the People', this forward-looking aspect will be explored in greater depth.

What are digital business models?

Where restructuring ends, transformation begins. The early adaptation of business models to the digital world and the systematic integration of artificial intelligence are becoming the hardest currency. Stefan Wolpert showed how organizations can be empowered to do this and which practical tools restructuring experts and decision-makers can use effectively in the future.

AI in mechanical engineering, monetizing data

Artificial intelligence plays a central role in the digital transformation of companies. It helps automate processes, efficiently evaluate large amounts of data, and make informed decisions in real time. New business models that monetize data create interesting sources of revenue for companies undergoing change. Thomas Schmid will report on how the usage of AI can change value creation in mechanical engineering.

Digital transformation in skilled trades

As a contract manufacturer in a multi-stage distribution concept, Gehringer was heavily dependent on two major customers. To reduce this dependency, the woodworking shop decided to enter into direct sales. The realignment of the company with digital tools began with a change of perspective: away from indirect sales to direct-to-connoisseur, away from function to attitude, and away from product to narrative.

Our Online Salon kicked off with Markus Exler and his guests Lydia Gepp, Britta Hübner and Dr. Lutz Jaede, live from the studio of the FH Kufstein Tirol - University of Applied Sciences, discussing the current situation in restructuring based on Oliver Wyman's study "The perfect storm".

• Online Salon Results | LinkedIn
  
  

REAL ESTATE COMPARISON GERMANY AUSTRIA - CROSS BORDER CASE

In the afternoon, the TMA workshop was once again for women only.

The scene meeting place in the Kufstein Auracher Löchl for all participants of the 2025 annual conference – on a self-paying basis or at the invitation of the sponsors.