Building Bridges for Ideas
Ulrike Wielatt is passionate about Schleswig-Holstein as a business location. Not only because the Germany's “True North” is a beautiful place to live, but also because it offers tremendous potential. And she aims to unlock this potential in the coming years—as managing director of WTSH, as a bridge-builder between business, science, and politics, and as a shaper of optimal conditions. We spoke with her about her future role:
WTSH-Online Editorial Team: What personally drives you to now champion the region as a business hub at the helm of WTSH?
Ulrike Wielatt: I am very much looking forward to helping move Schleswig-Holstein forward together with its many dedicated partners. I believe that the “real North” has great potential—and not just because it’s a great place to live. We have a solid small and medium-sized business sector and a strong knowledge landscape. I’m drawn to “aiming high” and breaking new ground. Because I think there are areas where we could—and should—position ourselves even better. For example, in technology transfer. I’m motivated by the chance to help shape the conditions in which companies can grow, innovations can emerge, and people enjoy working and living here. The WTSH plays a central role in this, and I’m very happy to take on this responsibility.
WTSH Online Editorial Team: You just mentioned the example of technology transfer. How will WTSH further advance technology transfer, innovation, and future-oriented topics in the future?
Ulrike Wielatt: For me, technology transfer means above all creating the space to develop ideas and then quickly putting good ideas into practice. It is crucial that we build even stronger bridges—between business and science, startups and established companies, regional networks and international partners. But it also means having the courage to try things out together. We want to make technologies applicable for companies and facilitate their access to expertise. We want to highlight opportunities for them in future-oriented topics such as climate-neutral business, digitalization, or AI. WTSH aims to be a catalyst, facilitator, and partner here, providing concrete support to companies and connecting them with one another. And when these connections function seamlessly and naturally, everyone will benefit—the companies, the region, and the state’s innovative strength.
WTSH Online Editorial Team: As the new Managing Director of WTSH, what message would you like to share with the companies and partners in the state as you begin your new role?
Ulrike Wielatt: Above all, it’s important to me to say that I’m truly looking forward to working together! We already have many great companies, universities, and numerous partners in the state. Building on existing strengths and wisely connecting them is a crucial foundation for any future development. For me, partnership isn’t just a buzzword, but the foundation for actually moving things forward. The challenges and geopolitical developments ahead of us are demanding, and that is precisely why we need a collaborative spirit that is open, honest, and constructive. My proposal is therefore quite simple: to start the conversation early, listen attentively, and work together to develop realistic solutions that enable Schleswig-Holstein to achieve positive economic development.
The interview was conducted by Ute Leinigen
