Competition Theme

The world of work is changing rapidly. What was once analogue is becoming digital, and what used to be done by humans is being increasingly done by machines. For many workers, this means working in entirely novel ways. They must learn new things and assess what will be required of them in the future. How are companies readying their employees for new tasks? And how do they become or remain attractive for hires that have grown up in the digital world? We believe the path for a future workforce must be set now, and that an excellent education is the foundation. It ensures a competitive economy; it’s an important factor in life satisfaction; and it strengthens our democracy. New educational concepts for all areas of life must create the conditions for a modern knowledge-and-information society. Social skills, creativity, global thinking and a sense of responsibility are the qualities that characterise future workers and that will set them apart from machines.
Education and work belong inseparably together and cannot be thought of only in a national context. Across the European Economic Area (EEA) we must therefore seize opportunities for comprehensive, future-oriented education and an open, creative labour market characterised by robust intellectual exchange and team spirit.

Seeking Exemplary Solutions

In 2019, the competition Landmarks in the Land of Ideas awards projects that will revolutionize the worlds of education and work. We seek ideas that generate answers to these upcoming challenges and that will lead Germany into the future. We seek ideas that have an impact in Europe or that because of Europe are made possible.
Awards will be given, for example, to companies that successfully test new working- hour models; to concepts that keep the families of employees in mind; to employers that use artificial intelligence to relieve the strain on their employees; to companies and universities that bring employees or students from different European countries together to exchange ideas and experiences; to initiatives that reconcile work and private life in exemplary ways; to start-ups that might realise their ideas for an integrative labour market thanks to European funding; to schools that teach computer programming as a first foreign-language and attach great importance to an education in creativity; or to vocational training programmes that enable lifelong learning in innovative ways.
Applications are open to Germany-based founders, companies, project developers, art and cultural institutions, universities, church and social organisations, associations, federations, cooperatives and private initiators and initiatives. A jury of top experts will select the best xx ideas.

Why Apply?

The initiative Germany - Land of Ideas and Deutsche Bank will spread awareness of competition winners and their projects via professional public-relations teams. Winners will also benefit from the competition’s influential network and experts: they take part in programmes in which they are supported by Deutsche Bank mentors—whether on business plans, financing, or communication.

Please find more information on the German website.