Besides optimizing the sale of snacks, we discussed the possibilities such devices offer in the realm of knowledge transfer with visitors.

Who is driving the changes? Where does the main impetus come from?

Thomas Jenewein: We’re seeing technology providers and consulting firms offer new technology in the form of innovations such as new apps and devices such as wearables or smartphones. In the future, however, an increasing number of today’s analogue products   will also be networked - the self-driving car is just the first of many. These changes won’t only change complete business models and processes but also the way we work.

There are also the users: It isn’t only young people who are increasingly living digital lifestyles and thus spreading these new impulses.

Unfortunately, I rarely see training departments in the role of drivers in companies, although lifelong learning and digital literacy are certainly becoming increasingly important.

What do you see as a realistic time frame?

Thomas Jenewein: There’s no across-the-board answer. Some industries, companies, and occupations will feel the need to deploy innovations earlier and more intensely. And not everyone is equally agile in the implementation. In any case, the process has already begun. We’re currently seeing a lot of movement in the automotive industry - which will affect Germany significantly.

On whom will the anticipated changes have the greatest impact?

Thomas Jenewein: The surge in digitization is increasing the complexity and accelerating the speed of working life. People who are reticent about adapting or not able to, or those who lose their jobs due to further smart automation, will certainly be hit the hardest.

And there’s no doubt that those training departments that don’t adapt and continue to cling only to formal modalities will sooner or later get "chopped" because nowadays employees can educate themselves in many topic areas and establish their own networks without the department’s help.