14. International Restructuring Symposium 2025

From 09:00 To 17:00

FH Kufstein Tirol

Fri 17 Oct

We have big plans for our 14th company conference on the topics of transformation and turnaround. This year's motto is: Where do we stand?

We will open with a look at China, which is striving for a new world order. Journalist Felix Lee will give us an overview of how China is currently functioning. Our key industries, the automotive industry and mechanical engineering, are in turmoil. We will present the current challenges facing these two sectors and conclude by discussing what a restructuring report for our country should look like. "Tech to the people" is in the afternoon. Company representatives will have their say and talk about the use of digitalization and AI in companies, the development of data-driven business models and the transformation from a traditional manufacturing company to one with a digital ecosystem.

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. Exports to China have plummeted. 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.

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

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.

Everyone is talking about AI – but what exactly is it

Artificial intelligence is on everyone's lips, but what is it really? This presentation will show what generative AI can actually do and how its use is changing everyday life in our companies. For many companies, it can also be a matter of deriving economic benefits from existing data, for example by selling anonymized information, data-based products, or optimized business processes. Challenges lie in data protection, data security, and data quality.

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.

In a livestream, we will use Oliver Wyman's 2025 restructuring study as a basis for discussing current developments.

TMA NOW Germany – Network of Women

In the afternoon, the TMA NOW workshop will once again be for women only.

The scene meeting place in the Kufstein Auracher Löchl for all participants of the 2024 annual conference – on a self-paying basis or at the invitation of the sponsors. Reservations should be made in advance.