The Cologne-based startup dataMatters, a spin-off of RWTH Aachen University and Diplomatic Council corporate member, has introduced urbanOS, which is the world’s first operating system for Smart Cities. This municipal operating system functions similarly to computer or smartphone operating systems but is optimized for the "smartification" of urban infrastructure, ranging from traffic management and waste disposal to energy supply and public safety.
Thought Leadership
Trend towards Autonomous Factories
By DC member Karlheinz Zuerl*
Autonomous factories are on the rise in Asia and will spread to Europe in the coming years, albeit with some delay. Europe likes to boast about its progress in Industry 4.0, but Asia has long since moved beyond that and is on its way to Industry 5.0. This refers to unmanned production halls in which only robots are active. These ‘ghost factories’ are made possible by a combination of computer technology, networking, artificial intelligence, robotics and innovative manufacturing processes.
Thought Leadership
2025 will be the year of AI in sales
By DC member Eckhart Hilgenstock*
In 2025, business development will separate the wheat from the chaff. Successful companies will use AI tools to win new customers and strengthen the satisfaction of existing ones. The others will lose market share and often not even understand the reasons for their business decline.
News
urbanOS: The World's First Operating System for Smart Cities
News
Congratulations to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV
Statement by Buddhi Athauda on the Appointment of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV
I extend my heartfelt congratulations to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, on his election as the 267th Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church. His appointment marks a historic moment for the global Catholic community and for the world, as he becomes the first American-born Pope to ascend to the Holy See.
News
Europe and the Strategic Competition in Space, May 16, Online
May 16, 17:30-19:30, Europe and the Strategic Competition in Space, Online Panel discussion and book launch even
Thought Leadership
Quantum Leap Forward
Quantum Leap Forward: The Promise and Perils of a New Technological Era
In a packed conference room at the UN in Geneva, excitement crackled like static as experts unveiled the future of quantum technology – a field poised to redefine life as we know it. Declared the "Year of Quantum" by the United Nations for 2025, this technology, rooted in the strange and wondrous principles of quantum mechanics, is no longer a distant dream but a transformative force already taking shape.
News
Diplomatic Council Quantum Leap at UN Geneva
April 8, 2025 was a historic day for all participants at the launch event of the Diplomatic Council Quantum Leap initiative at the UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development in Geneva. China, India, Russia, the USA and my more countries were listening to what Harald A. Summa, Chairman DC Quantum Leap, Matthias Reidans, Innovation Program Manager DC Quantum Leap, and Hang Nguyen, Diplomatic Council Secretary General, had to say.
Thought Leadership
Tackling Disinformation in the Context of Hybrid Threats
By Diplomatic Council Member Dr. Alina Bârgăoanu (with Stephan J. Kramer)
From wishful thinking to policy responses
Thought Leadership
Green methanol for the EU's ‘New Agenda’
by DC member Thorsten Rixmann, Chief Marketing Officer of the Obrist Group
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced plans to replace the Green Deal with a new agenda. Her aim is to reduce bureaucracy, boost the economy and still make the EU climate neutral. Green methanol, as a universal, climate-neutral and cost-effective energy source, must be part of this agenda.
Thought Leadership
Where is this world going?
Speech by Jochen M. Richter, Chairman Diplomatic Council Global Security Forum, on the occasion of the opening of the Netherlands Mission in spring 2025
Where is this world going? And more particular, what does this mean for Europe and what does this mean for European security? …