W.I.R.E. is an independent think tank that curates the shaping of the future at the interface between science and practice. The foundation for this is a systematic early recognition of relevant developments and their translation into long-term strategies and fields of action for private and public organisations and their decision makers.
As an interdisciplinary platform, W.I.R.E. has distinguished itself since its foundation in 2007 through its comprehensive understanding of the economy and society and uses this knowledge to develop long-term decision-making bases, ideas and new approaches to solutions. The thematic expertise of W.I.R.E. focuses on the wider consequences of the digital transformation and the linking of market and societal innovation in various sectors ranging from health and financial services to real estate and media.
In addition to the analysis and classification of new technologies, business models and social trends, W.I.R.E.'s competence includes a multidimensional information architecture as a basis for tailor-made multimedia publications, event formats, exhibitions and keynotes. In the tradition of alchemy, the think tank develops tangible concepts in the form of "real-life labs" or prototypes for the 21st century. The think tank has an international network of thought leaders and decision makers as well as partnerships with leading companies, universities and designers.
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BURKHARD VARNHOLT
Burkhard Varnholt has been Chief Investment Officer at Credit Suisse Group AG since January 1, 2017. He had previously served as Head Investment Solutions Group (ISG) and Chief Investment Officer (CIO) of Bank Julius Baer as well as CIO and Head Asset Management and Institutional Clients at Bank J. Safra Sarasin. Burkhard Varnholt gained his doctorate at the University of St. Gallen and has taught at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the Stern School of Business, New York University. He has published over 100 articles in academic journals as well as four books. In 2004, Burkhard Varnholt founded a charity called ‘Kids of Africa’ which runs an orphanage for homeless children in Kampala, Uganda (www.kids-of-africa.com). He was awarded the Swiss Re Civilian Services Prize for this commitment.
