State Secretary Michael Biel will be attending the People & Culture Festival 2025 as a panelist and will be providing insights into his work at the Senate Department for Economics, Energy, and Public Enterprises. Here you can already read about the direction he wants to take in actively shaping a resilient working environment on behalf of the state of Berlin. We asked Michael Biel three questions on this topic:

What does resilience mean for your work or your company?

The company I work for is called Berlin. Resilience is a key issue for us in Berlin’s economic policy. Recent years have shown how global crises can challenge or even threaten our various industries, from the pandemic to supply chain problems and the energy crisis to upheavals in world trade. Added to this is the major issue of digital and climate-friendly transformation. Resilience is therefore an ongoing task in my work. We are constantly working to develop the business location in such a way that it remains competitive in the long term and grows sustainably. For Berlin, this means focusing on diversity, promoting innovation, and further strengthening the close cooperation between startups, small and medium-sized enterprises, and science.

What personal strategies or tools help you stay resilient in your everyday work?

My credo is clear: only through direct exchange with companies, employees, associations, science, and research can we develop solutions that really work. I have had very good experiences with this so far. And to be honest, it’s also more fun to work together with others. This also applies to everyday life in our state ministry, where I have a great team and an incredible number of dedicated colleagues. Of course, you also need a good work-life balance to be resilient, and for me that definitely includes Berlin’s fantastic cultural offerings and the creativity that we encounter everywhere in the city. For my work as State Secretary, this is naturally an important part of our economic strength, and for me personally, it is a source of energy and balm for the soul.

How would you or your company like to help shape the working world of the future?

The working world of the future will not be created at an administrative desk, but rather in collaboration with companies, trade unions, employees, and academia. Our task as the economic administration is to help shape this dialogue, provide impetus, and create the best possible framework conditions—whether in terms of digitalization, sustainability, or socially responsible business practices. In this way, we are helping to ensure that Berlin remains a resilient location and opens up new opportunities for good work.

The program where to meet Michael Biel at one glance:

Panel discussion: “Innovation in and from Berlin—Rethinking the economy”
In this panel, experts from politics and business will discuss new approaches to economic activity, Berlin’s role as a location for innovation, and the opportunities and challenges of a sustainable economy “Made in Berlin.” The focus will be on issues such as location attractiveness, the promotion of technology and creative industries, crisis resilience, and the expansion of educational structures.

Fireside Chat: “Shaping rather than managing – your path to public service”
Shaping the future, managing challenges, moving society forward – public service offers more than many people think. State Secretary Biel talks about his personal career path, explains entry opportunities into administration, dispels prejudices, and highlights opportunities to take on responsibility early on. In short: How to become a State Secretary? An invitation to everyone who wants to make an impact – not just a career.

Michael Biel on LinkedIn & Instagram