My generation
Gen Z is seen as lazy and self-absorbed. Boomers are considered hard-working people and active shoppers. People like to put everything and everyone in boxes. This tendency is rooted in evolution and is quite useful, helping the brain to quickly compare past experiences and guide decision-making. However, letting go of learned stereotypes and prejudices is difficult. When it comes to generational issues, it also seems like people aren’t particularly willing. Few debates are fought with as much passion as “young vs. old”.
Rather surprisingly to some, there is no scientific evidence that generational differences actually exist. If you’re interested, we’ve added a link to a study by the sociologist Martin Schröder, who discusses the “generation myth”. I find this insight quite encouraging, as it suggests there’s much to be gained from the experiences of others. This year’s final issue of Adlershof Journal will focus on letting go, passing on knowledge, and learning from each other.
How can business succession be successfully achieved? In this issue’s cover story, the managers of two high-tech companies let us in on how they experienced and shaped this sensitive process. Stefan Jonas and Lutz Redmann have known each other since childhood. They have been running a special-purpose machinery company that develops solutions for innovative industries like photovoltaics, e-mobility, and healthcare since they co-founded it 35 years ago. They told us how they manage a team of over 400 employees as well as the (gradual) preparation of succession.
The start-up Nearay is working to bridge various cultures and age groups that populate cities. Through an app, it aims to help local restaurants, shops, long-time residents, and newcomers to more easily connect in their neighbourhoods. They are starting off with the German-Turkish community of Berlin. I wish to close the year with a positive note from researchers at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin: People today feel younger than the generations before them. Read more about this in our Campus section.
Sincerely,
Peggy Mory
Editor-in-chief
News in short
Hydrogen research in Adlershof
In early October 2024, the Berlin Senate approved of a development plan that will enable Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie to make use of nearby available land. An adjacent commercial space can now be used for research purposes. Set to be built in multiple construction phases, the centre called CatLab will be dedicated to the research and development of novel catalyst materials that are needed, above all else, for the production of green hydrogen.
Senate clears way for hydrogen research in Adlershof – Berlin.de
New development on Segelfliegerdamm
In September 2024, the Berlin Senate, the Treptow-Köpenick district administration, WISTA Management GmbH, WISTA.Plan, degewo AG, and BAUWERT AG fired the starting gun on the 'Segelflieger Quartier Berlin' project. It is part of the urban development measure “Berlin-Johannisthal/Adlershof” and will encompass 1,800 new flats, two daycare centres, one community centre, and 153,000 m² that are available for a comprehensive offering in local amenities. gastronomy, and leisure. The groundbreaking ceremony will be in 2025.
Adlershof’s science slam “Battle den Horst”
Doors at Bunsen Hall, Volmerstr. 2, to this year’s last Science Slam Adlershof will open at 6.30 pm on 5 December 2024. The applause offered by an inquisitive audience will decide whose presentation wins the evening. The programme includes fascinating lectures by young scientists who present their research topics in a way that is both educating and entertaining. Free facial muscle workout is included.
Get your tickets for 10 euros: www.adlershof.de/ticketservice
WISTA Welcome Tour
Learn more about the success story of the Adlershof Technology Park at the free “WISTA Welcome Tour” on Tuesday, 10 December 2024, from 2.30 pm to 5 pm. The meeting point is at Rudower Chaussee 17.
Registration: www.wista.de/academy or directly on https://invitepeople.com/events/fc258fb52e
