29th British-German Forum
A smarter Europe: cooperation, competition and innovation
in the 2020s
Sunday 13 – Thursday 17 July 2014
The Forum
The British-German Forum was
established by Chancellor Kohl and
Margaret Thatcher in 1985 and has
occurred annually ever since.
Organised by Wilton Park, the event
convenes approximately 50 ‘high
fliers’ from Germany and Britain,
between the ages of 25 and 35.
Over four days, participants discuss
the political, economic and social
challenges facing both countries,
exploring different perceptions and
seeking mutual understanding.
Participants are chosen from a wide
range of professional sectors,
including government, business,
finance, media, academia and nongovernment organisations (NGOs).
Those selected represent future
leaders in their respective fields.
The Forum provides a neutral,
dynamic space, in which participants
can network and share ideas among
their peers and gain insight and
inspiration from experienced
professionals.
The British German Forum takes
place in the relaxed residential
atmosphere of Wiston House, a
sixteenth-century house in the
Sussex countryside.
The theme
Comments from 2013
participants
“Constructive debates at a
high level”
***
“A fantastic opportunity to
engage with peers from a
variety of sectors”
***
“Wonderful people, excellent
content, beautiful setting”
***
“Excellent to help us see
German colleagues as they
see themselves”
The 29th British-German Forum will
focus on Europe’s transition from
conflict to contemporary cooperation
and competition. Participants
discuss what can be done to make
the UK and Germany (individually)
and Europe (collectively) ‘smarter’ –
more economically competitive and
able to do more with less resource.
The Forum will also examine how
best to foster innovative practices in
businesses, in charities and NGOs
and in the public sector.
Discussion topics will include the
nature of European economic
competitiveness in the context of
emerging economic powers, the
ideological competitiveness (or
attractiveness) of European
institutions, and the political
challenges to creating more
competitive economies.
The themes will be explored through
open discussion, working groups
and presentations from leading
British and German experts.
Through dialogue, the Forum will
increase shared understanding and
build stronger relationships between
influential young Britons and
Germans.
Some key questions for 2014:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
How remarkable is Europe’s transition away from conflict and towards peaceful cooperation and
competition?
How significant is the variability in competitiveness across European Union member states?
What challenges for states in Europe to maintain prosperity in the light of global competition?
What opportunities for states in Europe arise from global economic competition and market entry?
How can national education and economic policies be targeted to increase economic cooperation?
What can the UK and Germany learn from each other about encouraging entrepreneurialism?
How far does the attractiveness of the European model drive the diplomatic influence of European
states?
How adaptive and innovative are public, private and charitable sector organisations in the UK and
Germany? How to increase this?
29th British-German Forum
A smarter Europe: cooperation, competition and innovation
in the 2020s
Sunday 13 – Thursday 17 July 2014
Provisional programme
The organisers
Sunday 13 July – Afternoon arrival.
Welcome, followed by a session
exploring Europe ‘s transition from
conflict to cooperation and
competition.
Wilton Park plays a key role within
the international community by
analysing and advancing the agenda
on global policy challenges, and by
bringing representatives from the
worlds of politics, diplomacy,
academia, business, civil society, the
military and the media to resolve
issues of international security,
prosperity and justice.
Monday 14 July – Sessions and
working groups on competitiveness
in the UK, Germany and Europe
including the roles of education,
entrepreneurship and innovation.
Tuesday 15 July – Day in London,
including a panel with MPs at the
House of Commons, lunch at the
German Embassy and a visit to the
Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Wednesday 16 July – Sessions and
working groups on innovation in the
private, charitable and public
sectors. Discussion will also
consider what is needed to create a
smarter Europe. Proceedings will
close with a celebratory Forum
Dinner.
Thursday 17 July – Participants
depart.
All sessions will be introduced by
influential speakers from Britain and
Germany, including politicians,
business leaders, academics and
other opinion formers and
policymakers. Some sessions will be
in plenary, followed by time for
round-table discussion, while others
will be in working groups, to
encourage creativity and debate. All
discussion will take place in English.
The details
The cost of participation, including 4
nights accommodation, meals and
courtesy coach transfer from and to
Gatwick airport on the opening and
closing days of the conference, is
£1,475. Some reductions or funded
places may be available, on
application.
Participants are selected from a
rigorous nomination process.
German participants should contact
[email protected] and
British participants should contact
[email protected] for a
nomination form.
What happens afterwards?
There are a number of on-going
networking opportunities for alumni
of the British German Forum,
including meetings organised by the
British and German governments,
linkages with the young
Königswinter alumni, and
membership of Bridge International
Dialogue, a charity created by
recent alumni to continue discussion
and shape policy agendas.
Wilton Park was set up in 1946 in an
initiative by Winston Churchill to help
Germans consider the future
governance and direction of their
country and promote peace and
democracy in Europe. Over 60 highlevel conferences per year are held
to help formulate policy on a wide
range of international issues.
The British-German Forum echoes
the origins of Wilton Park by bringing
together the younger generations of
Britain and Germany.
Wilton Park conferences are highly
participative. The neutral and
discreet environment enables all to
meet on an equal footing and in a
safe space to seek understanding
and resolution of differences through
dialogue.
Online communication and
coordination is also encouraged,
through Facebook and LinkedIn.
More details about Wilton Park can
be found at www.wiltonpark.org.uk
Follow us on Twitter @WiltonPark