Diversity Is The Driving Force Behind Innovation: An Interview with eco Board Member Silke Kanes

Silke Kanes is the latest addition to the eco Association's Board. In this interview, she discusses her motivation for playing an active role in shaping digital transformation, the opportunities presented by the rapidly growing SaaS market, and the importance of diversity and corporate culture in driving innovation. She is particularly keen to engage in dialogue with members, promote joint projects, and encourage the active harnessing of the eco community's strengths.

Ms Kanes, you are new to the eco Board. What motivated you to take on this role?

"I am excited by the opportunity to help shape digital transformation in Germany, working alongside key figures from the software, cloud, security, and infrastructure sectors. The eco Association brings together people with different strengths and experiences - for me, this is the ideal framework for providing new impetus and working together to create sustainable solutions for the Internet industry.

Germany is the largest SaaS market in Europe. What opportunities do you see in this segment for eco members?

This dynamic market offers enormous opportunities for eco members to benefit from the collective expertise and exchange within the association. The SaaS sector is growing rapidly and plays a central role in networked value creation in almost all industries. Those who boldly network here can drive innovation, set standards and open up new business areas - while also benefitting from the visibility and support provided by the eco Association.

Your new portfolio also covers corporate culture and diversity. Why are these topics so crucial for the Internet industry right now?

Diversity is the engine of innovation: digital transformation can only succeed with diverse perspectives and an open corporate culture that avoids silo thinking. In the age of AI and data-driven innovation, teams must collaborate in an agile, inclusive and creative way. Diversity is not only a value in itself, but also the basis for innovative strength and sustainable success - for companies, for the Internet industry and for society as a whole.

You have been associated with eco for many years, from the eco Award to 'Ladies in Tech' and beyond. What are you particularly looking forward to in your new role?

I am particularly looking forward to further strengthening the exchange between members, networking, and interdisciplinary dialogue. The diversity and innovative strength at eco harbours enormous potential for bringing even more companies into dialogue with each other and launching joint projects. Personally, I am passionate about promoting forward-looking SaaS solutions and actively developing diversity and corporate culture. There is still a lot of catching up to do in this area, especially in the tech sector.

What would you like to say to eco members right at the start of your work on the Board?

My message to them is this: get involved, network, and make use of the wealth of experience in the eco community - together we can achieve more than any individual can on their own. Make the most of the prospects for cooperation and the sharing of knowledge and experience in the eco Association! I know it's not always easy to step away from day-to-day operations. However, in times of rapid technological change, it is particularly important to develop solutions together and learn from each other. I see myself as a contact person for your concerns and look forward to many inspiring discussions, joint initiatives, and sustainable impulses for the future of the Internet industry.