Editorial
Do business sustainably or be left behind
Sustainability has long been more than just a buzzword. It is a driver of growth, competitiveness and long-term success. "Companies that prioritize sustainability are positioning themselves for long-term success," writes Eryn Devola, Head of Sustainability at Siemens Digital Industries. She describes climate protection and sustainable action as growth drivers for the entire industry - a view that is particularly important in Germany.
However, the path to a sustainable industry is anything but conflict-free. The discussion about how transformation can succeed is sometimes ideological and overshadowed by the fear of change. Too often, old technologies are still being clung to, supposedly under the guise of "technological openness". What is often forgotten: Openness also means opening up to new technologies and giving them a real chance. If you put the brakes on instead, you miss out on opportunities - both ecologically and economically. Progress cannot be stopped, but it can be overslept.
Nobody is calling for functioning technologies such as combustion engines or coal-fired power plants to be abolished overnight. It is not about an abrupt end to proven systems, but about a targeted, strategic transition to solutions that have a future. Every system has its time, and at some point we have to look to the future. Progress requires courage and the willingness to make decisions and implement new concepts - even if these have to be readjusted. However, standing still is not an option. Anyone who hesitates risks losing touch.
Sustainability has long since become an economic imperative. Companies that adopt sustainable practices not only secure a positive market position, but also lay the foundations for future value creation. Increasing efficiency, conserving resources and using renewable energies are no longer just cost factors, but drivers of innovation and profitability. What was considered an "eco issue" years ago is now a key criterion for reputation, innovative strength and entrepreneurial success.
The combination of resource conservation and technological progress is not a contradiction - it is the future perspective that combines growth, climate protection and prosperity. Sustainability is not a trend, but a necessary guideline for the industry of the 21st century.
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