FIAA
Europe and China are navigating a moment of profound strategic recalibration. Where do the real opportunities lie, and what does it take to act on them?
FIAA e.V. brings together four leading voices from academia, geopolitics, AI research, and Asian market practice for a 90-minute conversation that is rigorous, practical, and genuinely cross-cultural. Designed for decision-makers who need more than headlines.
Five Thematic Blocks:
• Geopolitical Context — How the Europe/China relationship is shifting and what room for independent European agency still exists
• Opportunities for Engagement — Green tech, circular economy, life sciences, smart infrastructure and where shared interests create real space
• Risks & Dependencies — Critical interdependencies in raw materials, technology, regulatory divergence and how to navigate them
• China & Artificial Intelligence — An honest assessment of China's AI position, structural advantages, and implications for European strategy
• Lessons for Germany — Strategic adjustments German companies and policymakers need for the short, medium, and long term
Programme:
• 16:00 — Check-in & Reception (refreshments on arrival)
• 16:30 — Welcome by Christoph Jacob (FIAA e.V.)
• 16:40 — Opening Statements (≈15 min)
• 17:00 — Moderated Discussion across five thematic blocks (≈45 min)
• 17:45 — Audience Q&A (≈15 min)
• 18:00 — Key Takeaways — one action insight per panelist
• 18:30 — Networking Evening with drinks, finger food & conversation
Moderated by Sara Kukovec. Opening by Christoph Jacob (FIAA)
Venue:
• Sofitel, Frankfurt Opera
We look forward to welcoming you.
Professor of Artificial Intelligence, Deggendorf Institute of Technology
Prof. Dr. Patrick Glauner is Professor of Artificial Intelligence at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology. He brings an honest, research-grounded perspective on China's AI position, structural advantages, and the implications for European strategy.
Professor of Economics & Co-Chair, Sino-German Center, Frankfurt School
Prof. Dr. Horst Löchel is Professor of Economics and Co-Chair of the Sino-German Center at Frankfurt School of Finance & Management. He contributes deep expertise on Europe/China economic relations and the strategic interdependencies shaping both regions.
Head of Business Development Asia Desk, GARBE Industrial · FIAA member
Yingnan Yao leads Business Development at the Asia Desk of GARBE Industrial and is a FIAA member. She brings hands-on market practice and a cross-cultural perspective on opportunities for engagement between European and Chinese enterprises.
Professor of International Business, MCI China Center
Prof. Dr. Wei Manske-Wang is Professor of International Business at the MCI China Center. Her work bridges Asian market practice and international management, with a focus on the strategic adjustments German companies need in the short, medium, and long term.
Moderator
Sara Kukovec moderates this 90-minute panel, guiding the conversation across five thematic blocks and the audience Q&A.