Over the past thirty years, the world of education has focused strongly on teaching and applying knowledge in real-life situations. But now, we find ourselves having to re-evaluate this approach: the German economy needs to maintain its position in a future filled with uncertainty. The 3rd Stuttgart Competence Day, held on 1 December 2010, addressed this issue. This year’s theme: Competence.Character.Education.

The innovations of today can be long obsolete by tomorrow. So staying innovative – wanting to change things and being able to, even radically – is a key competitive factor. We can no longer rely solely on an elite educated in the ways of yesterday. We need people who are able to take decisive action, manage themselves and react creatively in open, unclear, complex and dynamic situations – and, ultimately, solve unfamiliar problems. But how do you make the right decisions when there is no standard solution? It all comes down to the values which guide our actions – like the points system on a railway, to use Max Weber’s famous analogy.

This December, Steinbeis University is hosting the 3rd Stuttgart Competence Day. This annual event discusses competence from different perspectives each year. The day’s patron is the Federal Minister for Education and Research, Prof. Dr. Annette Schavan. Attendance is free.

The Stuttgart Competence Day 2011 will be held on 2 December 2011 in Stuttgart's Haus der Wirtschaft.

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