Dear VDMA member,

We are pleased to invite you to our upcoming VDMA China Top Executive Dialogue: Leadership Under Pressure: What European Machinery Can Learn from China's Automotive and Telecom Disruption

In an era of intensifying competition and rapid transformation, the mechanical engineering industry is facing unprecedented challenges. In recent years, the automotive and telecommunications sectors in China have undergone significant competitive shifts. Established market leaders have encountered new competitors, technological leapfrogging, and rapidly evolving industrial ecosystems. The key question is no longer simply how to adapt, but how to proactively shape the future and stay ahead of the curve.

While the German and European machinery industry remains strong overall, competitive pressure is rising at an extraordinary pace. Some companies are already experiencing declining market share and momentum. How can this trend be addressed? This executive dialogue will explore what machinery leaders can learn from the experiences of the German automotive and European telecommunications industries in China — and what these lessons mean for future competitiveness.

We are honored to host two distinguished speakers who will share their frontline insights:

• Frank Sieren – Journalist, author, and documentary filmmaker, who has lived in Beijing since 1994. With decades of on-the-ground experience observing China's technological, and economic transformation, he brings a unique long-term perspective on China's rise. He recently published his new book "Der Auto-Schock" (The Auto Shock – How China Was Able to Leave Us Behind and What That Means for Our Future), in which he analyzes how China's automotive industry advanced at remarkable speed and the implications for established industrial leaders.
• Markus Borchert, Chairman of Nokia China – With more than 30 years of international experience in the tech industry, including 12 years in China, Markus Borchert brings extensive cross-market and strategic expertise. He will provide a perspective from the telecommunications industry's development journey. European players such as Nokia once held strong position in China but later faced increased challenges through industrial strategy and regulatory policies resulting in intense competition through the rise of powerful domestic competitors. Drawing on this experience, he will reflect on how industry structures, innovation speed, ecosystem dynamics, and policy environments reshaped the sector and what these developments may signal for other European industries.

Event Details:

• Date: March 12, 2026
• Time: 4pm – 8 pm
• Location: Beijing, Kempinski Hotel
• Participation fee: 3,500 RMB (excl. tax; incl. dinner)
• Agenda:

Welcome & Opening Remarks by VDMA China

Keynote Address – Automotive Industry by Frank Sieren

Keynote Address – Telecommunications Industry by Markus Borchert

Moderated Q&A Session and Discussion

Networking Dinner

This executive-level exchange is designed to offer strategic perspectives and cross-industry insights in a trusted peer setting. Participation is limited to ensure an intimate and high-quality discussion.

We look forward to welcoming you to this key strategic discussion.

Best regards,

Claudia Barkowsky