How can talents in the field of digitalization be strategically developed while simultaneously strengthening data-driven research in a sustainable way? What forms of cooperation between industry and academia open up new scopes for action?

This edition of the ECDF Industry Forum on February 24, 2026, entitled "Boosting Digital Talents & Data-Driven Research", focuses on two initiatives for which the ECDF is currently preparing concrete funding proposals. Both initiatives are designed as collaborative ventures with industry and offer attractive opportunities for strategic cooperation with the ECDF. The Industry Forum provides a structured setting to become acquainted with these cooperation opportunities at an early stage, discuss participation options and jointly explore how industry partners can contribute as cooperation and proposal partners. The program is complemented by an industry perspective that highlights experiences, expectations and opportunities from a corporate point of view.

Two Paths of Cooperation – Current Funding Initiatives

Leaders for a Responsible Digital Society – Leadership & Research Careers in Digitalization (COFUND / EU funding)

As part of a planned COFUND initiative, the ECDF is preparing an EU funding proposal aimed at supporting excellent international postdoctoral researchers. The objective is to build key digital competencies and to develop sustainable research careers. The initiative relies on co-financing and active involvement by industry partners—for example through career impulses, research placements, thematic contributions or strategic exchange.

DFG “Company Data for Research” – Strengthening Data-Driven Research

Simultaneously, the ECDF is developing proposal initiatives within the framework of the DFG call "Company Data for Research". Industry partners can play a central role by enabling the combination of research data and real-world data, thereby facilitating data-driven research on socially and economically relevant questions. In doing so, the ECDF aligns itself with the current EU framework conditions for a future data economy. Industry and academia can pursue this path together at the ECDF.

Program:

4:00 – 4:15 p.m.: Words of welcome & framing, Tabea Flügge (Co-Chair of the ECDF Executive Board)
4:15 – 4:40 p.m.: Opportunities for participation at the ECDF I – COFUND initiative, Timm Teubner and Andrea Cominola (ECDF Executive Board)
4:40 – 5:05 p.m.: Opportunities for participation at the ECDF II – DFG “Company Data for Research”, Martin Gersch (Co-Chair of the ECDF Executive Board)
5:05 – 5:35 p.m.: Industry perspective: Partnerships with the ECDF. Moderated discussion on motivation, added value and expectations of cooperation with Sibylle Gabler (member of the executive board of DIN), Christoph Krüger (director at UNITE Berlin) and Samira Franzel (moderator). 
5:35 – 5:40 p.m.: Transition to networking
From 5:40 p.m.: Networking at thematic tables & posters with snacks and drinks with an optional guided tour of the ECDF demo area
Approx. 6:30 p.m.: End of the event

Venue:
Einstein Center Digital Future
Conference Hall, 1st floor
Wilhelmstr. 67
10117 Berlin

The Industry Forum is aimed particularly at representatives from the business sector. You can register //here.