Berlin Perspectives
FOUR VOICES. FOUR PERSPECTIVES.
ONE SHARED QUESTION.
How can Berlin strengthen its position as one of Europe’s leading hubs for talent, education, and innovation?
There is no single answer. Entrepreneurs see different challenges than artists. Researchers identify different opportunities than business leaders. Policymakers, educators, founders, and creatives each experience the city from a different perspective. Together, their insights paint a richer picture of the opportunities and challenges that will shape Berlin’s future.
As an international higher education institution in the heart of Berlin, BSBI sees every day how closely education, entrepreneurship, international talent, and innovation are connected. We believe that meaningful progress comes from exchanging ideas across disciplines and sectors
Berlin Perspectives creates a space for this dialogue, encouraging collaboration and new thinking about how Berlin can continue to grow as a leading international centre for talent, education, and innovation.
Because the future of Berlin will not be shaped by individual institutions alone. It will be built through dialogue, collaboration, and a willingness to learn from one another.
Berlin Perspectives is an initiative by the BSBI School of Business and Innovation that brings these voices together. Through interviews, opinion pieces, nd expert insights from business, academia, culture, and public life, the platform explores the ideas that will help define Berlin’s next chapter.
THE CONTRIBUTORS
- Núria Basi
Chairperson, BASI Group; Honoured Member of BSBI Future Lab - Ayako Fujiki
Steinway Artist, Pianist and Composer; Honoured Member of BSBI Future Lab. - Lluís Montiull
Co-Founder, Natulim | Forbes 30 Under 30. - Wolfgang Schwenk
Managing Director, Deutschland mobil 2030; Honoured Member of BSBI Future Lab.
Núria Basi
Chairperson, BASI Group
Honoured Member of BSBI Future Lab
“Berlin is not just a hub—it is a living laboratory for the future of education, creativity, and business.”
Perspective
For Núria Basi, Berlin’s greatest strength lies in its openness. The city brings together international talent, creative industries, and economic dynamism in a unique way. The growing connection between educational institutions and businesses creates an environment where innovation is not only discussed but actively put into practice.
Berlin is a place where different perspectives meet and new ideas emerge. For both companies and students, it offers a space for learning, experimentation, and continuous development.
Key Takeaways
- Openness and diversity drive innovation
- Education and industry are becoming increasingly connected
- International talent shapes the city’s future
- Berlin serves as a testing ground for new ideas
Original Statement
“Berlin has a very particular energy—there is a sense of openness and experimentation that you don’t always find in more traditional capitals. From my perspective, it is a city where creativity and business intersect naturally, which makes it especially attractive for education and talent development. As a hub, Berlin is not only about technology or startups; it is about culture, diversity, and new ways of thinking. This creates an environment where students and professionals are constantly exposed to different perspectives, which is essential for innovation.”
“Berlin’s diversity provides young talent with perspective, purpose, and creative energy.”
Perspective
Ayako Fujiki views Berlin through a cultural lens. Its geographical position between Western and Eastern Europe, combined with its international character, creates an environment in which young people can encounter different perspectives and develop their own potential.
Berlin’s history, its tensions, and its constant transformation are not burdens but sources of creative energy. In a time of global change, this openness offers direction and enables new forms of creativity, exploration, and collaboration.
Key Takeaways
- Cultural diversity is a driver of innovation
- Creativity emerges through transformation and change
- International perspectives foster talent development
- Berlin connects history with the future
Original Statement
“Berlin’s geo position is strategic. Between Western and Eastern Europe, enriched by a diverse cultural mix. In a time of moves and changes the diversity gives young talent perspective and purpose. Also shaped by their history, the city transforms their tension and complexity to creative energy and offers young people opportunities to explore and connect.”
Ayako Fujiki
Steinway Artist, Pianist and Composer
Honoured Member of BSBI Future Lab
Lluís Montiull
Co-Founder, Natulim | Forbes 30 Under 30
“Berlin is exceptionally well positioned to become Europe’s San Francisco.”
Perspective
For Lluís Montiull, Berlin’s future lies in its role as a European innovation powerhouse. In an era defined by technological sovereignty and a stronger focus on European competitiveness, he sees Berlin occupying a pivotal position.
The city has the ingredients necessary to bring together entrepreneurship, technology, and international talent. The challenge—and opportunity—will be to build on this momentum and create an environment that supports innovation and sustainable growth over the long term
Key Takeaways
- Berlin is emerging as a European innovation hub
- Technological sovereignty is becoming increasingly important
- The city offers strong conditions for entrepreneurs
- Berlin can strengthen Europe’s global competitiveness
Original Statement
“I believe that in this wave that we are seeing coming of the importance of technological sovereignty, and the rise of made in Europe, Berlin is very well positioned to be the European San Francisco.”
“Berlin benefits from outstanding research institutions and international networks—its future success will depend on continuing to strengthen these foundations.”
Perspective
Wolfgang Schwenk sees Berlin’s greatest opportunities in its research landscape and international connectivity. Globally oriented institutions play a crucial role in bringing together knowledge, talent, and innovation.
At the same time, he highlights the importance of efficient structures and strong framework conditions that enable innovation, economic development, and long-term competitiveness. Berlin’s future will depend on how effectively it combines scientific excellence with modern infrastructure and governance.
Key Takeaways
- Research institutions are a major competitive advantage
- International collaboration strengthens innovation
- Modern administration and infrastructure matter
- Stronger links between science and business are essential
Original Statements
“Strong research institutions with an international orientation play a key role in strengthening Berlin as a location for innovation and talent.”
“Berlin’s future competitiveness will also depend on modern administrative structures and the ability to create efficient conditions for innovation and growth.”
Wolfgang Schwenk
Managing Director, Deutschland mobil 2030
Honoured Member of BSBI Future Lab
What we can learn
Although the perspectives shared in Berlin Perspectives come from different sectors and disciplines, they reveal a remarkably consistent picture of what makes Berlin successful today and what will shape its future.
The city’s strength lies not only in its reputation as an international capital, but in its ability to attract talent, connect ideas, and turn innovation into real-world impact. Across all contributions, four common themes emerge:
International openness and diversity remain Berlin’s greatest competitive advantage.
Strong educational and research institutions are essential for developing talent and driving innovation.
Closer collaboration between education, business, culture, and policymakers creates lasting impact.
A willingness to embrace change, foster innovation, and develop future skills will determine Berlin’s long-term success.
The continued development of these strengths will determine whether Berlin can further strengthen its position as a leading international hub for talent, education, and innovation.
About Berlin Perspectives
Berlin Perspectives is an initiative by the BSBI School of Business and Innovation that brings together voices from business, academia, culture, and public life to explore the opportunities and challenges shaping Berlin’s future. Through interviews and expert insights, the platform makes diverse perspectives visible and encourages dialogue across sectors. The initiative is based on the belief that the future of a global city is not shaped by individual institutions alone, but through collaboration, the exchange of ideas, and a willingness to learn from one another.