Young Leaders Conference 2024: “Why follow when you can lead?”

Courageous leadership in a multipolar world, transatlantic partnership in the 21st century, and the
transformation of industrial and societal ecosystems – these were some of the topics explored at the
German-American Young Leaders Conference in Detroit, Michigan, United States, from August 10-16,
2024. Report on the Young Leaders Conference 2024 by Felix Bauch, Linn Bieske, and Bastian Schneider.

For the 45th edition of Atlantik-Brücke’s flagship program, 18 Americans and 29 Germans from diverse
fields, including government, corporate, startups, and media, came together in Detroit to embrace varied
perspectives, forge new connections across disciplines, industries, and continents, discuss the pressing
issues of our time, and constructively challenge the status quo.

Considering implications of geopolitical shifts for Germany and the US

After an immersive get-together on the arrival day, the first days of the conference focused on developing
and discussing political, economic, and social scenarios for a world in 2029, considering potential
geopolitical shifts and their implications for Germany and the US in particular. Several breakout sessions
provided an in-depth analysis of potential futures for Germany and the US, emphasizing the importance of
strategic foresight in anticipating and navigating complex global challenges. Following this, eminent
leaders from academia, the economy, and state politics provided insights into political and economic trends
in Michigan and the broader Midwest, as well as Michigan’s significance as a swing state in the upcoming
presidential election.

Further discussions centered on developing a transatlantic perspective on pressing political, economic, and social questions that are expected to gain importance in the coming years. Regarding technological disruption, managing AI and balancing innovation with regulation for business, security, and society was identified as a key issue. In discussions on how to strengthen democracy and social cohesion in Germany and the US, the group proposed various tangible measures, such as investing in local and balanced journalism, funding exchange programs, promoting media education, and incentivizing community-building activities or civil service for young people.

Another group focused on exploring Western security strategies against rising authoritarian powers, proposing periodic military-to-military engagements to encourage European and Indo-Pacific military observers to attend US and allied joint military exercises.

“Conversations touched on transatlantic cooperation on clean energy and sustainability”

From a diplomatic perspective, further approaches included encouraging more diplomatic engagement to
support Ukraine and Taiwan across both regions. On the economic front, the discussions advocated for
greater resistance against monopolistic behaviors and corruption. In terms of geo-economic statecraft in
21st-century innovation, key proposals included establishing a US-European semiconductor research
institute, enhancing partnerships with the Global South, such as through infrastructure investments, and
fostering digital cultural youth exchanges. Other deep conversations touched on transatlantic cooperation
on clean energy and sustainability, sharing lessons on migration, and investing for stability and prosperity
in the Global South.

Field trips to Detroit’s inner city

After these two days of intense and thought-provoking discussions, the group embarked on several field
trips to Detroit’s inner city. First-hand insights into the revitalization of Detroit’s urban core, its reinvention
as America’s automotive capital, and its ongoing transformation into a vibrant hub for startups and
technological innovation thoroughly reshaped our perspectives on the city that long stood as a symbol of
the decline of the US industrial heartland.

Another dimension was added with a closer look at Detroit’s cooperation with its Canadian neighbor, the city of Windsor. The diversity of the greater Detroit area and the critical role of its Arab-American communities in the upcoming presidential elections were discussed with the Arab-American mayors of Dearborn and Hamtramck. A visit to the world-renowned Ford Rouge Factory complex marked the beginning of the fifth conference day and provided the group with not only a glimpse into the complex’s century-spanning history but also a close-up observation of modern-day assembly line production.

“UAW president Shawn Fain delivered an impressive report on the association’s work”

As a counterpart and complement, the next appointment led the group to the United Auto Workers labor union, where UAW president Shawn Fain delivered an impressive report on the association’s work and the 2023 strike against the Big Three automakers, which gained national attention and resulted in record concessions for auto workers across America. A guided tour through a revitalized quarter of the city and a dinner hosted by a renowned couple of art collectors concluded the day, leaving the Young Leaders with a lasting impression of Detroit’s hands-on mentality as well as the diversity and richness of African-American art and culture in the city.

An expert panel on Detroit’s and Michigan’s role as a hub for life sciences opened the final day of the
conference, highlighting the importance of transatlantic cooperation, particularly in research. Following
this, two US Air Force generals shared their experiences on sustainability, resilience, and readiness,
providing valuable advice on leadership in an increasingly complex environment. Further expert
discussions on supply chain resilience, the use of AI in fintech, and Detroit’s outstanding role in music
completed three days of immersive field trips and gave us significant final impressions of a city we will
never see in the same light again.

The experience throughout one week of programming, discussions, and immersive activities was nothing
short of transformative. From on-site visits to engaging with local journalists, state senators, investors,
entrepreneurs, and artists, the program offered a deep dive into the remarkable urban renewal of Detroit’s
metropolitan area. The group witnessed firsthand how a courageous investment community, committed
business and policy representatives, fearless community leaders, and inspiring cultural thought leaders
came together to drive a profound transformation of the city’s economic and social ecosystem. At the same
time, we immersed ourselves in the political and societal landscape of a key swing state leading up to the
presidential election in November.

Key takeaway: Embracing diverse perspectives

The key takeaway of the conference was evident to all attendees: Embracing diverse perspectives and
engaging with peers who constructively challenge one’s thinking and offer fresh insights is among the most
rewarding and enriching experiences. As leaders in business ecosystems, societies, and democracies on
both sides of the Atlantic, we can achieve more when we understand each other, adopt each other’s
perspectives, and partner closely. At the heart of it all are shared values, joint ambitions, commitment, and
curiosity to lead through continuous change in an ever-evolving world, rather than just following the pack.
Here’s to the new friendships, broadened perspectives, and shared commitment to shaping a brighter future!