Creativity has long been considered an integral component of the design process. Today, however, it is also recognised as a vital resource for economic and societal development. The 8th Kreativwirtschaftstag (Creative Industries Day), organised by the Cultural and Creative Industries Office in collaboration with the Frankfurt Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK Frankfurt), aims to highlight this transformative power. The event will address complex issues such as skills shortages, digitalisation, and the pressure to innovate. Kaweh Mansoori, Hesse’s Minister for Economic Affairs, will open the conference. The day will feature a rich programme of talks, panels, workshops and matchmaking opportunities, offering diverse insights into creative industry practices and providing a platform for exchange and new perspectives.

Inspiration and Interaction

Highlights of the programme include a keynote address titled ‘Realities’ by Dr Christian Kell from the Cooperative Brain Imaging Centre, a talk by Michael Volkmer on the see-Conference, and a contribution by Dr Eckart von Hirschhausen titled ‘My Face Belongs to Me’, which addresses the risks of deepfakes. In the afternoon, the focus will shift to the intersection of business enterprises and the creative economy. The day will conclude with the Creative Industries Cluster of Hesse’s panel discussion, “Advertising for Advertising”.

In addition to the main stage, the IHK’s other rooms will host a variety of supporting programmes, including tandem lectures and workshops on innovation, digitalisation and leadership culture. There will also be a dedicated event from the World Design Capital 2026 in the Fortuna Room.

Design in Business: Viessmann Climate Solutions

Is design merely an aesthetic feature or a strategic tool? In his talk, ‘Design in Business’, Felix Klingmüller, Head of Industrial Design at Viessmann Climate Solutions, will address this question. Commissioned by the German Design Council, Klingmüller will present the new study Design in Business, which shows that design encompasses much more than just visual aesthetics. It is also a strategic tool for differentiation, innovation and transformation.