Strategic thinking in innovation

This year, we took part in the Innovationsforum Mittelhessen in Gießen – a key industry event bringing together entrepreneurs, researchers, and thought leaders from across the region. Around 160 participants gathered at Kinopolis Gießen under the central theme “Brand Promises in Changing Times” to discuss how innovation can succeed in challenging environments.

André Walter, member of the executive management at MK Versuchsanlagen, participated in the panel discussion on “Market-Driven Innovation”, moderated by Prof. Dr. Michael Stephan (Philipps University Marburg). The core question: How can hidden champions defend their market leadership and drive innovation in a focused way?

In his contribution, André Walter provided insights into our innovation strategy, which we structure along three dimensions: processes, business model, and product – always with the customer at the center. He emphasized the importance of a strong innovation ecosystem and explained how MK Versuchsanlagen secures its position as a technology leader in a demanding niche market.

A heartfelt thank you to fellow panelists Marion Gottschalk (ILLE Papier-Service GmbH), Gunter Schneider (SCHNEIDER Optical Machines), and Oliver Rüspeler (Johannes Hübner Giessen) for the inspiring exchange!

Our conclusion: Those who anticipate market shifts can identify opportunities early – and thus secure sustainable business success. (

For the full press release: Oberhessische Presse (in German)