Network Conference of the "Working World 4.0" Thematic Platform

The main annual gathering for everyone who actively shapes the world of work

As the central annual gathering of the “Working World 4.0” thematic platform, the network conference brings together the most important stakeholders in the world of work in person: from business, academia, and politics.

The focus is on current topics shaping the future, practical insights, interactive exhibits, and plenty of opportunities for stimulating discussions. Among the highlights of the program is a visit by the Bavarian State Minister for Family, Labor, and Social Affairs

What is the Network Conference?

The Network Conference is the flagship annual event of the “Working World 4.0” thematic platform—a project of Bayern Innovativ commissioned by the Bavarian State Ministry of Family, Labor, and Social Affairs.

It brings current issues surrounding the world of work and corporate culture to the forefront—and translates major future topics into concrete ideas for practical application. Small and medium-sized enterprises, in particular, gain insights here on how to better navigate developments such as digitalization, AI, sustainability, and demographic change.

The focus is on knowledge sharing, exchange, networking, and inspiration: featuring keynotes, panels, short presentations, case studies, discussions, and exhibits that bring these developments to life.


Highlights from the 2025 Networking Conference at the Gaszählerwerkstatt in Munich

A meeting place for everyone who wants to actively shape the world of work

The networking conference is aimed at people who want to do more than just observe changes in the world of work—they want to understand and shape them.
This includes, in particular, companies, decision-makers, skilled workers, HR managers, academics and researchers, works councils, labor unions, chambers of commerce and trade associations, government and political officials, economic development agencies, and other key influencers.

Orientation

You’ll learn about the trends currently shaping the world of work—and what that means for businesses.

Perspectives

You’ll gain insight into different perspectives from the worlds of business, academia, politics, and professional practice.

Exchange

You’ll meet people who are grappling with similar questions: How do we transform work? What skills do we need? And how do we shape this change in a meaningful way?

The 8th Network Conference is currently being planned.

NextWork Bavaria – Competitiveness Through Innovative Work Environments
October 29, 2026
Munich

A Look Back

Each year, the network conference addresses a different topic related to the future. This provides an ongoing perspective on the changing world of work.

7th Network Conference 2025

Chatbots, Humanoid Robots, and More—Human-Machine Interaction Today and in the Future

Further Information

6th Network Conference 2024

Future Skills – How We’ll Work in 2035!

More Information

5th Network Conference 2023

Who Will Shape the Workplace of Tomorrow? Understanding Artificial Intelligence and Using It Responsibly!

More Information

4th Network Conference 2022

Thinking Through and Successfully Implementing Digitalization, Sustainability, and Demographics Together

More Information

3rd Network Conference 2021

Workplace 4.0 in the Age of COVID-19: What Remains? What’s Possible? What’s Next?

2nd Network Conference 2020

Workplace 4.0 – Lessons Learned from the Pandemic

1st Network Conference 2019

Inspiration, Exchange, and Practical Insights for the Changing World of Work

Your Contact

Dr. Thomas Helfer
Dr. Thomas Helfer
+49 911 20671-282
Innovation network Production, Head of Working World 4.0, Bayern Innovativ GmbH, Augsburg
Foto von Alina Krüger
Alina Krüger
+49 911 20671-544
Projektorganisation, Innovationsnetzwerke Produktion und Digitalisierung, Bayern Innovativ GmbH, Nürnberg