SAP CEO Christian Klein has recommended that Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) take cues from the strategies employed by Jürgen Klinsmann when addressing reforms in Germany. Writing for “Focus”, Klein stated that Klinsmann consistently focused on innovation despite opposition, emphasizing “data, sports science, and outside experts.” He added that Klinsmann did not downplay issues but instead tackled them head-on.
Klein reflected on the 2006 FIFA World Cup, noting that Klinsmann “changed the attitude of an entire country and laid the foundation for the 2014 World Cup triumph.” He believes that this kind of courage is needed today. The SAP executive observed that the 2006 football World Cup, full of national cheer, lightness, and optimism, was incredibly formative for many. He frequently misses that sense of confidence today, which he replaces with feelings of dissatisfaction, worry, and future anxiety.
This outlook also applies to the topic of artificial intelligence, which will heavily influence economic prosperity. Currently, the narrative seems to be that Silicon Valley scales up, China subsidizes, and Europe merely regulates and observes. Klein argues this is a flawed perception, suggesting everyone acts as if the outcome is already decided. He insists that Europe’s future in AI will not be determined by who builds the largest language model. Instead, it will depend on who most intelligently integrates AI into real business processes because they understand the necessary context. Achieving this requires not only technology but, crucially, a fundamental shift in attitude.
Furthermore, Klein urged that challenges should not be ignored. While he acknowledges that the majority of current jobs will not remain as they are, he believes most will not disappear but will instead transform. He argues that both the government and businesses must commit to professional development and lifelong learning. This requires political action as well.
Klein praised developments in Brussels concerning the simplification of digital regulations, stating, “It is good to see movement in Brussels regarding the simplification of digital rules.” He advocates for “fewer, but clearer guidelines that focus on results instead of bureaucracy.” Finally, he stressed the need to stop confusing sovereignty with isolationism. For Klein, true strength lies in utilizing the world’s best technologies, provided they are used “according to our rules and under our control.”
