Our podcast

Episode 25: The frequently criticized digitalization of administration in Berlin prompted the Berlin Senate to introduce a new organization. The aim is to implement projects such as the expansion of online services, the 14-day target for citizens' offices and the nationwide introduction of digital files. In Dr. Ralf Kleindieck, Berlin has its first Chief Digital Officer, who will be responsible for all aspects of administrative modernization.

What does a CDO do, how does the cooperation with the 12 Berlin districts work, what is the approach with 540 million euros for the digitalization of Berlin and what can the administration learn from traditional commercial enterprises? We explore these questions with the State Secretary for Digital and Administrative Modernization and talk about the status quo, goals and dreams for the future.

Episode 24: This year we are celebrating 200 years of Berlin as a trade fair location. With a consolidated turnover of 347 million euros, it is one of the highest-turnover trade fair companies in the world and the sixth-largest trade fair company in Germany in terms of space. But how will the trade fair of the future develop, what new models already exist and how does it contribute to Berlin's economic strength? We explored these questions with Martin Ecknig, CEO of Messe Berlin. Martin Ecknig has been CEO of Messe Berlin since January 2021 and started his job during a difficult phase for the trade fair location. But the Berlin native and former real estate consultant is an optimist and likes to focus on the successes to date. Together, we talk about challenges in times of pandemic, the historical development and venture a look into the next 200 years of the Berlin trade fair.

Episode 23: Promotion means forward-looking management of economic development on the part of politicians. But where should we be heading? We explored this question with Dr. Hinrich Holm, Chairman of the Board of Investitionsbank Berlin. As the head of our federal state's development bank, he shares his view of the capital and financial markets with us. Together, we talk about the economic outlook, coronavirus aid and accompanying measures for housing construction. The mathematician explains what sustainable investing means and why Berlin has the power to digitize the financial scene.

Episode 22: The war of aggression against Russia on February 24 marked the beginning of a new era. What does this mean for Europe? We are delighted to explore this urgent question with European expert and political consultant Prof. Dr. Daniela Schwarzer. She is the director of the Open Society Foundations in Europe and Eurasia, a professor at the Free University of Berlin and has written several books, including "Final Call" - a plea for a new European foreign policy. Together with her, we will look beyond Berlin's borders into the world and talk about the impact of the elections in France, Germany's role in the EU and what steps Europe needs to take to remain a strong economic region.

Episode 21: Fredi Bobic is a passionate professional footballer and has been Managing Director of Hertha BSC since June 2021. He believes in the power of sport and is actively involved in promoting sport in the capital. Union are in the semi-finals of the DFB Cup, while Hertha are worried about staying in the league. Together with Fredi Bobic, we talk about his expectations and plans for the coming season, the impact of coronavirus on the soccer business and major sporting events as a future opportunity for urban development.