The Challenge
The Mittelstand is undergoing fundamental change
Software, artificial intelligence and automation are reshaping markets, products and value creation. Global competition is intensifying, and in many family businesses the next generation is taking on responsibility.
There is no single Mittelstand. Yet the questions are similar.
Framework
Key facts at a glance
Value
A curated working group for the next generation
For entrepreneurs who already hold operational, strategic or ownership responsibility in family businesses. The focus: well-founded decisions on technology and innovation, and putting them into practice in your own company.
Peer learning is the format, business relevance the benchmark, implementation the outcome.
After the Circle, you will have…
assessed technological opportunities on a sounder basis and clearly prioritized fields of innovation
launched or advanced concrete innovation projects in your own company
a reliable peer group with whom you can openly reflect on difficult decisions
Moderation
Program leadership & moderation
Anja Hendel
Digital expert & supervisory board member
20+ years of digital transformation (including Porsche Digital Lab, diconium), now working with “Bits & Bolzen” on the operating system of German industry.
Katharina Hopp
Transformation leader & family entrepreneur
20+ years at Bosch, business angel and advisory board member in the Mittelstand, with a focus on governance, organization and implementation.
Focus
Four focus areas of the Next Gen Transformation Circle
Module 1: Technology & AI
Classifying and assessing relevant developments: What is changing, and what matters for your own business? Methods such as the Future Radar or the Gartner Hype Cycle support this assessment.
Module 2: Innovation & new business models
Deriving growth opportunities from technology, changing customer needs and new value-creation logics: from software and services to new revenue models.
Module 3: Startups & ecosystem
Leveraging external innovation potential strategically: What do we build ourselves, where do we partner, when do we invest or acquire, and when does a spin-off make sense?
Module 4: Transformation & scaling
Sharpening the innovation portfolio, focusing resources and scaling successful approaches, with a view to governance, capabilities, financing, organization and acceptance.
the process
How the Circle works: open, professional, together
At its heart are four moderated in-person core meetings with a fixed group. Expert input, practical examples and work on real cases are combined with your own questions. Each meeting ends with 1–2 concrete next steps; the following meeting begins by reviewing progress and obstacles.
Nov 2026
Match Arena
Pre-Event
Dec 2026
Kick-off & Module 1
Technology & AI
FEb 2027
Module 2
Innovation & business models
Apr 2027
Module 3
Startups & ecosystem
jun 2027
Module 4
Transformation & scaling
jul 2027
Closing
Results & closing
The Circle is complemented by expert input, curated access to the NXTGN ecosystem (including InnoNight, Match Arena, Startup Spotlights) and optional 1:1 sparring. Confidential and professionally moderated. The group is curated; direct competitors are avoided.
Meetings generally take place within the NXTGN ecosystem (Greater Stuttgart area).
Self-Check
Is this format right for you?
Eight statements, two minutes. Rate honestly how well each one applies to you.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the Next Gen Transformation Circle
Moderated peer exchange within a jointly agreed circle of trust, expert input, practical examples and hands-on transfer work in your own company.
Next-generation entrepreneurs with operational, strategic or ownership responsibility in family businesses.
8 months in total, with four in-person core meetings, preceded by a pre-event at Match Arena.
Contact us
Do you have questions about the Next Gen Transformation Circle?
Do you have questions about the program or about participating? Feel free to get in touch with Anja.
Anja Hendel
Senior Advisor Corporate Innovation
