Deepa Gautam-Nigge is Vice President Corporate Development at SAP, a member of the supervisory board at Aleph Alpha and a start-up mentor.
As a "mediator between the worlds", she ensures that young talents work together with established companies and suitable start-ups on the solutions of tomorrow. An expert in platform business models, she is a sought-after consultant for start-ups and companies such as Schmitz Cargobull AG. As an advocate of diversity, she is convinced that innovation can only arise if the collective intelligence of a diverse network is utilised.
We spoke to her about artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalisation, the culture of innovation in Germany and the role of role models.
Insights into the digitalisation of German industry
Deepa shared valuable insights into the current state of digitalisation in German industry. She emphasised the importance of a strong culture of innovation in Germany and spoke about the challenges and opportunities this presents.
Technology and jobs
A key topic of our discussion was the fear of job losses due to technology and AI. Deepa made clear that although technology is changing work, it is not destroying jobs. She considers it a social challenge to break down inhibitions about innovation and new topics and to be open to change.
Promoting a culture of innovation
Deepa emphasised how important it is to promote a culture that welcomes and actively drives innovation. This is the only way we can fully exploit the benefits of AI and digitalisation and at the same time positively shape social change.
Education needs role models
In order for more women to become startup founders, Deepa believes it would be necessary to have more role models. Although developments are already moving in the right direction, all in all, more women are needed as founders in order for a role model function to emerge.
