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.

NICO STEIGER

Nico is an integrative strategist and self-described "rational techno-optimist" with a multifaceted international background, having led (startup) businesses, brands, design and technology studios and a diverse portfolio of cross-disciplinary initiatives.

His expertise spans the intersection of strategy consulting, technological transformation, commerce & marketing and digital culture - while embracing the white spaces in between.

Committed to driving impactful innovation, future-forward thinking and advancing sustainable technologies that create long-term value, Nico’s work explores the transformative potential of these forces for business, society and the human experience in today’s interconnected world.

Having held senior strategic leadership roles across diverse industries, Nico now works as an independent consultant, collaborator, speaker, and thought-leadership contributor, splitting his time between the UK, Switzerland and Germany.

At W.I.R.E., Nico leads the London studio and curates our global network of clients, partners and experts.

STEPHAN SIGRIST

Dr. sc. ETH Zürich

Founder and Head of W.I.R.E.

Founder and Head of W.I.R.E.

Dr Stephan Sigrist is an interdisciplinary strategist and founder of the Think Tank W.I.R.E., which systematically analyses new developments, trends and technologies at the interface between science and practice. With his team, he develops forward-looking solutions and advises decision-makers on shaping the future. In 2020, he launched the Future Society Association, which aims to reconnect business and society in order to sustainably curate the upcoming transformation towards a circular economy and data-based business models. He is the author of numerous books and studies, an international keynote speaker and curator of spatial knowledge projects in collaboration with design and art. He was named "Digital Shaper" by the Swiss business magazine Bilanz, a board member of the Swiss Allergy Centre AHA and a member of the innovation council of Innosuisse, the Swiss federal funding agency for science-based innovation. Currently, he is on the board of directors of a start-up for a digital mobility network and on various strategic committees. After studying biochemistry at ETH Zurich and completing a dissertation at the Collegium Helveticum, he worked in medical research at Roche, as a management consultant at Roland Berger and at the Gottlieb Duttweiler Institute. He grew up in central Switzerland, has lived in London and is today based in Zurich.

Photos of Stephan Sigrist available for download:

» Portrait of Stephan Sigrist

SIMONE ACHERMANN

MA European Culture UCL

Senior Researcher & Editor / Co-founder of W.I.R.E.

Senior Research & Editor / Co-founder of W.I.R.E.

Simone Achermann looks at developments and trends in society, business and cultural sciences. She is the author and editor of a variety of publications, including the ABSTRAKT book series, “Mind the Future – compendium for contemporary trends” and the Suhrkamp series “What counts”. Before taking up her role at W.I.R.E. she worked for several years as a communications consultant, focusing on the area of corporate social responsibility and writing texts and speeches for top managers in business and social fields. Simone Achermann studied cultural sciences at the University College London (UCL).

STEFAN PABST

MA in Philosophy and Physics, University Potsdam

Senior Project Manager

Senior Project Manager

The work of philosopher and physicist Stefan Pabst at W.I.R.E. centres around social and cultural transformations caused by technological progress as well as innovation management in the context of shifts in social values. As Senior Project Manager he identifies important long term developments across all industries. He designs and leads interdisciplinary workshops for W.I.R.E. and also works as a freelance copywriter focusing on art and product design. He was previously employed as the manager of an innovation network for the HPI School of Design Thinking and acted as a freelance innovation consultant. He holds a Master’s degree in philosophy and physics from the University of Potsdam.

RICCARDO MERLUZZI

M.Sc. ETH Zürich Health Sciences & Technology

Senior Project Manager

Senior Project Manager

Riccardo Merluzzi supports organisations in long-term strategic planning through early identification and translation of strategically relevant developments and trends at the interface of business, science and society. He brings interdisciplinary expertise with over 4 years of cross-sectoral consulting experience. In addition to strategic and innovation development, he is responsible for multi-stakeholder projects with a focus on the healthcare system.

LISA ROBERTSON

MA Visual Communications, Royal College of Art

Visual Designer

Lisa Robertson specializes in visual design, information architecture, scenography, and event design, supporting in the creative merger of content and form. With a background in illustration and graphic design and experience in the cultural sector, her expertise spans the intersection of design and storytelling.

TINA MARIC

Dipl. Betriebswirtschafterin (HF)

Operations Manager

Tina Maric is key hub for internal operations and ensures that all processes run efficiently and smoothly. With her many years of experience in the service industry and a sound understanding of operational processes, she supports the company particularly in the areas of event design, accounting and human resources.

TOTO

Head of Security

After basic training at the Nature Camp in Hungary, Toto earned his master's degree in territorial home defence with a focus on remote detection and defence against electric small vehicles in Zurich. His areas of expertise include the consistent deterrence of postal workers and the distancing of officials in general. In his free time, he enjoys evaluating the elasticity of sofas and beds, as well as nurturing the general relationships within his pack.

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