April 4-5, 2001, University of Cologne

The revolution in communication- and information-technology, the ongoing globalization, and the increasing importance of the factor knowledge have changed the paradigms of economy in the last years and created the so-called "New Economy".

Entitled "NET PLANET - Strategies for a New Economy", the 8th World Business Dialogue has the aim to discuss the manifold impacts and the consequences of these changes for economy, politics and society. Moreover, it analyses the resulting future requirements and challenges regarding labour, educational structures, entrepreneurial and political decisions and strategies.

Structural changes and transformations in the network world.

The processes of transformation and the impact of digital network on enterprises and the economical environment will be viewed and analysed. Apart from a general summary of developments - some of them already reality, some of them expected to come - a detailed examination of changes within enterprises, between enterprises and changes in the overall context of society and nation will be in the focus of reflection.

Factors of success in the network economy

The analyses of the structural changes will lead to definite strategies and modes of action. The centre of interest will focus on the factors of success in the network economy with respect to the enterprise and, in particular, how to use these factors successfully in the long term. Apart from a general debate of this topic, the individual factors speed, attention and utilization of intellectual capital will be viewed separately.

A visionary view regarding the future and further development of the network economy will conclude the 8th World Business Dialogue.

Speakers: Prof. Roland Berger, Sir John R.H. Bond, Dr. Rolf-E. Breuer, Marie Livanos Cattaui, Dr. Hans-Joachim Körber, Dr. Martin Kohlhaussen, Dr. Klaus Mangold, Dr. Heinrich von Pierer, Dr. Ing. h.c. Jürgen Weber