This year is increasingly being described as a period of strong business transformation that will test companies’ resilience, agility, and long-term sustainability. From the concrete application of artificial intelligence in everyday operational processes to strengthening supply chain security, business models are evolving rapidly, and the market is increasingly distinguishing between organizations that successfully adapt and those that are only trying to catch up with change.
As futurist and business philosopher Rik Vera points out, who will appear at the Future Tense powered by Lürssen conference on April 22, companies that do not wait for change but actively shape it have a key advantage. Questioning established rules, organizational culture, leadership, and strategy enables them to create new market opportunities instead of passively reacting to trends.
Vera particularly emphasizes the importance of continuous curiosity and a willingness to experiment. Organizations that systematically explore new approaches and ask questions develop greater innovativeness and flexibility. The Net Curiosity Score is therefore increasingly used as an indicator of companies’ openness to learning, expanding knowledge, and recognizing new business opportunities, which strengthens their competitiveness in the long term.
As one of the key approaches to strengthening organizational flexibility, Rik Vera highlights the ecosystem economy, a concept he elaborates in detail in the book The Guide to the Ecosystem Economy. According to his interpretation, traditional linear value chains are increasingly unable to respond to the complexity of the modern market. Instead, companies are increasingly building networks of partnerships through which they jointly develop solutions, test innovations, and scale business value.
Vera is the author of several internationally published business books and an expert with many years of experience in senior management positions. The focus of his work is the development of antifragile strategies, meaning organizational structures and cultures that not only withstand change but use it as an opportunity to redefine business value and open new market spaces.
At the Future Tense powered by Lürssen conference, alongside Vera, Mikko Hyppönen, one of the world’s best-known cybersecurity experts, will also speak. The topic of sustainable business practices and the transformation of traditional industries will be the focus of Märtha Rehnberg’s presentation, while scientist Susanna Søberg will discuss longevity, energy management, and burnout prevention.
Among the partners of this year’s conference, alongside Lürssen Design Center Kvarner, are Erste&Steiermärkische Bank, Visa, and Kaufland, and the event is held under the patronage of the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Tourism and Sport, and the Ministry of Science, Education and Youth.
Future Tense powered by Lürssen brings together business leaders, representatives of the academic community, and experts from various industries. Through cooperation with the Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies (CIFS), the IEDC Business School Bled, and the Association for the Promotion of Smart Industries, the conference aims to encourage the development of a new generation of leaders ready for the challenges of the future.
More information is available on the official Future Tense conference website.
