How diversity and teamwork power economies and enterprises

As the elections for the European Parliament approach, it is a timely moment to reflect on the values that unite us and drive our progress. After all, diversity, openness, and tolerance are not just part of our culture at Siemens—like for many other businesses they are essential pillars that drive our global operations, strategic decisions and make us innovative. In a recent joint interview with Mercedes’ CEO Ola K?llenius , our CEO Roland Busch reiterated Siemens’ firm rejection of extremism, racism, and discrimination. “As a company, we thrive on a diverse, open, and tolerant culture,” he stated.

Diversity and collaboration make for better solutions

In today’s world, shaped by complex challenges like climate change, urbanization, and the need for digital transformation, businesses of all sizes depend on collaboration and diversity.

Here are just a few examples that highlight the significance of these principles:

• Numerous studies, including a report by the Centre of European Reform, highlight the importance of immigration from non-EU countries for a dynamic European economy.
• Furthermore, international collaboration and diversity also fuel successful innovation and economic growth, as shown by the Global Innovation Index.
• And a recent study by BlackRock further highlights that companies with gender diverse workforces outperform their less diverse counterparts by 29% in annual growth from 2013 to 2022.

At Siemens, we experience the power of diversity every day, from our factories to our labs. We are a company of more than 320,000 people, working in more than 170 countries. Our global leadership in industrial AI, for instance, is powered by the collaborative efforts of over 1,500 AI experts, who work across various countries and cultural backgrounds. And for our pursuit to develop solutions that minimize bias and enhance decision-making, the diverse perspectives of our teams are essential. In other words, diversity ensures that our industrial AI remains reliable, secure, and trustworthy.

Advocating for more diversity, openness and tolerance

Particularly in Germany, where Siemens’ roots run deep, we see these values as crucial to fostering a thriving, innovative environment. “Extremists divide our society and endanger our prosperity,” Roland Busch said at a recent press meeting. “We advocate for more diversity, more openness, and more tolerance—elements that are foundational for a livable society and sustainable prosperity.”

For this reason, Siemens is—amongst other things—a committed member of the alliance “We stand for values,” joining forces with over 30 German companies in promoting diversity, openness, and tolerance. Together, these companies employ 1.7 million diverse individuals across Germany, showcasing our collective strength and commitment against extremism and racism.

Fostering trust and preparing for the future

To truly promote openness, diversity, and tolerance, we must also foster trust. Companies need to invest in training and upskilling their workforce to ensure people feel empowered to navigate an era of technological change. For instance, Siemens invested €416 million last fiscal year in training and education, including initiatives like our SiTecSkills Academy and digital learning platforms with over 135,000 learning resources.

Societies, particularly in Germany and Europe, must also drive transformation and innovation to stay future-ready. As Roland Busch remarked, “We have a bouquet of issues that we must tackle: transforming our energy systems, renewing infrastructure, bolstering defense, and revamping our education and training systems.” By supporting international collaborations and leveraging diverse perspectives, we can address these complex global challenges effectively. By embracing these values, we can ensure a prosperous and sustainable future.

Your Vote Matters: Shaping a Europe United in Diversity

As we look towards the future, it’s crucial to remember that every vote counts in shaping a Europe that values diversity, openness, and tolerance. The upcoming elections for the European Parliament are an opportunity to make your voice heard. Together, let's stand united for a Europe that celebrates our shared values and drives success through diversity.

Put your vote to work for a Europe united in diversity.

Vote on June 9, 2024 – for a future you want to live in.