Siemens AG
Innovation competition meta tangere
Automation and digitalisation of industry, infrastructure, energy systems, mobility solutions and medical technology: all of these areas are part of the core business of the globally active Siemens AG. What new ways could there be to create a metaverse, a harmonised digital virtual space for the entire corporate universe? And which partner has enough background, imagination and verve to tackle such an endeavour? Siemens wanted to find out in a contest - and commissioned 3pc to organise the meta tangere innovation competition.
Go! - For Innovation
Anticipating innovation and helping to shape the future through constant change: Those who, like Siemens, are committed to this goal are also agile themselves. That's why we chose an approach during the preparation of meta tangere that would open the door to further changes. Our advice was aimed at throwing old, established processes overboard and welcoming innovation with open eyes.
Microsite as a central hub
In close coordination with our client, supported by constant content advice, the actual competition format was created first. A specially designed microsite formed the centre of the overall process: It was a docking station for the presentation of the most important facts as well as for the registration of participants, offered a protected area for streaming and interaction and, of course, also served as a stage for the winners or an exchange and feedback station.
Out of the familiar orbit
Breaking familiar routines, acting quickly, curiously and courageously and thus being open to innovative solutions: The look and feel of meta tangere encouraged the participants to leave familiar paths, as did the unfamiliar organisation of the competition.
The core elements were two event formats and an intermediate elevator pitch. The meta tangere website served as the hub for the livestream of the one-hour digital kick-off event from a disused industrial hall. Keynote speeches by Siemens representatives and keynote speaker Prof Dr Sascha Friesike encouraged participants to ask their own questions and vote them up online. The plenary answers to the most urgent concerns were then used to create a FAQ that was accessible to everyone.
Networking
The participants then presented the ideas from this impulse in 2-minute video pitches. From these, a jury selected finalists and community partners who received an invitation to the second, full-day on-site event.
In addition to the core objective - the identification of future partners - this event was also intended to facilitate direct dialogue between the participants. Specially developed ice-breakers, open and closed pitches and trade fair-style stands for the companies encouraged discussion and networking. The event was documented in an aftermovie and evaluated via a feedback questionnaire.
Results at the speed of light
One month: that's exactly how long everyone involved had from sending out the invitations to organising the final. Leaving the beaten track was a must! 3pc also got off to a flying start: We not only took care of finding suitable moderators and keynote speakers in advance, but also a collection of well over 300 companies from the fields of metaverse, AR, VR, NFT, art, culture, education and industry, which we then invited.
From the very beginning, agility and a lively exchange of ideas with our client were at the centre of our work - which was noticeably transferred to everyone involved: positive energy and the courage to think in new spheres characterised the results. The result was plans for new, surprising and innovative future projects - together with new partners.
Photos: Fabio Jock, Siemens AG
