The rad°hub

Munich. Since 2016, the rad°hub has provided a unique
platform that ensures a lively exchange of views, creative moments,
innovative ideas and inspiring connections. The aim of this
dialogue-oriented format is to push boundaries, bring influencers with
ideas together and encourage dialogue between visionary thinkers and
opinion leaders from all over the world. Interdisciplinary exchange,
both within and outside the company, creates a space for discussing
the challenges of future mobility and developing a range of possible
solutions together.

The rad°dialogue held at BMW Group Classic on 11 October brought
together 50 visionaries who are already part of the rad°hub network.
During the event, Peter Schwarzenbauer, member of the Board of
Management of BMW AG responsible for Transformation Electro Mobility
handed over patronage of the rad°hub to Dr. Nicolas Peter, member of
the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Finance.

An active and open dialogue with stakeholders from all
facets of society is crucial to solving today´s most complex challenges

,” stressed Nicolas Peter.

As the rad°dialogue got underway, it soon became clear how important
a culture of open debate is for a lively and constructive exchange of
views. Both members of the Board of Management of BMW AG answered
questions in a QA session. All of those present were invited to
participate in the discussion and had the opportunity to ask any
question they could think of. The panel discussion that followed set
the theme for the event: the smart city of the future. The city is
where technological changes and social challenges have the greatest,
most visible, impact – now, more than ever. Megacities are struggling
with the various effects of rapid, far-reaching changes on living
spaces, mobility, energy production and supply, digital connectivity,
the working environment and social interaction. Four international
experts from the fields of urban planning, market transformation and
urban mobility shared their thoughts and perspectives on the future of
urban living.

The members of the panel were:

  • Ms Wang Lan, Professor of Department of Urban Planning, Tongji
    University Shanghai
  • Mr Alex Mitchell, Senior Vice President Market Transformation, LA
    Cleantech Incubator (LACI)
  • Mr Bas van Kooperen, Urban Planning City of Rotterdam
  • Dr Thomas Becker, Vice President Urban Mobility BMW Group

Particular attention was devoted to regional differences in the
challenges facing cities, as well as priorities for future
development. The characteristics and established structures of each
city must be considered, since there is unlikely to be a universal
formula that works for all urban areas. Instead, the complex,
interdependent demands will require systemic and interdisciplinary
approaches. The aspects discussed by the panel were recorded by an
illustrator and provided inspiration for follow-up workshops in visual
form. Using a design-thinking approach, four groups covering the
widest possible range of disciplines jointly developed ideas and solutions.

Peter Schwarzenbauer summed up: “With rad°hub we created
a groundbreaking network where great ideas are born as well as new
partnerships and collaborations all over the world.

The rad°influencers asked themselves questions such as: How can we
secure a supply of energy that not only meets cities’ growing needs,
but can also keep up with the shift towards electric drive trains?
What happens if the automation of road traffic fails to reduce
congestion significantly, because the burden from transport logistics
also increases as a result of automation? Do we need vehicles that can
be used for both passenger transport and logistics or does it make
sense to relocate one of those to the air? Are people prepared to have
drones flying overhead and, if not, what would it take to achieve
early adoption? For cities to implement changes swiftly, do we need
more regulations or greater freedom?

For the majority of questions, one thing became clear: Everyone
involved, including lawmakers, cities, urban planners, residents,
commuters and companies, must join forces to find workable solutions.
The thoughts and ideas developed during the work phases will be shared
as results within the rad°hub community and provide valuable input for
the company. Over the past three years, more than 500 delegates have
had the chance to attend a rad°hub event in various destinations,
including London, Munich, Los Angeles and Rotterdam.

#radhub

#NEXTChapter

#futureofmobility

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