November 5, 2025 | Cathedral Palace, Erfurt
This was the AGKW 2025 annual event November 5, 2025 | Cathedral Palace | Erfurt
The program of the AGKW annual event focused entirely on digital transformation and demonstrated how smart technologies and innovative approaches can make economic development future-proof. Generative AI opens up new opportunities for Thuringians in terms of process automation, increased efficiency, and improved communication. The prerequisites are integration into existing structures and the development of digital skills. This insight was likely not new to the attendees. However, Professor Stummeyer, an expert in this field, emphasized the importance of seizing the opportunities offered by the technology and not falling behind, providing practical tips and valuable insights.
Finally, Roberto Schmidt (Thuringia Digital Agency) offered assistance regarding digitalization issues and funding opportunities. There was clearly a great deal of interest and a clear need for this information. The subsequent workshops illustrated potential solutions for using AI and how future cooperation between economic development agencies and LEG Thüringen could be structured.
Many thanks to all participants for the valuable input and pleasant conversations in a relaxed atmosphere! Stay tuned – together we will shape the future of economic development.
Save the Date AGKW Annual Meeting 2026: November 11, 2026, Erfurt
Survey: What topics would you like to see covered in further training courses?
This was the AGKW 2025 annual event

Survey on the term digitalization
Survey on the term digitalization
Megatrend Generative AI - the potential of ChatGPT & Co. in economic development, Prof. Dr. Christian Stummeyer
Megatrend Generative AI - the potential of ChatGPT & Co. in economic development, Prof. Dr. Christian Stummeyer
Digitally successful, ThEx Thuringia, Industry 4.0, We shape the digital transformation, Roberto Schmidt, Digital Agency Thuringia
Digitally successful, ThEx Thuringia, Industry 4.0, We shape the digital transformation, Roberto Schmidt, Digital Agency Thuringia
Workshop on the topics: Understanding the roles and tasks of economic development agencies; What are our actual goals/tasks?
Workshop on the topics: Understanding the roles and tasks of economic development agencies; What are our actual goals/tasks?
| from 9:30 am | Arrival & Registration |
| 10:00 | Joint opening Herbert Stütz | Head of Economic Development Department Thuringian State Development Corporation Dr. Sabine Awe | Head of Economic Development Department Thuringian Ministry for Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Rural Areas |
| 10:35 | KEYNOTE: Megatrend Generative AI – the potential of ChatGPT & Co. in economic development Prof. Dr. Christian Stummeyer | Business Informatics and Digital Commerce Ingolstadt University of Applied Sciences |
| 11:35 | Innovative approach | Practical example: Smart City Thuringia |
| 11:50 AM | Innovation approach | Practical example: Innovation spaces and labs |
| 12:00 | Dine & Connect With dialogue and information stations |
| 1:10 PM | Introduction to the process of the parallel workshops Anna Elisabeth Rinke Thuringian State Development Corporation |
| 1:15 PM | Workshop on the topic: Understanding the roles and tasks of economic development agencies What are our goals and tasks? Workshop leader: Marcus Bals | Head of Economic Development, Sömmerda District |
| 2:00 PM | Workshop: Digitalization versus analog reality. What is necessary, what is possible? Workshop leader: NN. |
| 2:45 PM | Concluding remarks & outlook Anna Elisabeth Rinke Thuringian State Development Corporation |
| 3:00 PM | Closing remarks & exchange Drinks & Pastries |
| 4:00 PM | End of event |















