UNF hosts Jacksonville's first American-German business roundtable, advancing Florida-Germany partnership

The University of North Florida's Coggin College of Business and the Consulate General of Germany in Miami convened Jacksonville's first American-German Business Roundtable on Thursday, bringing together business executives, public officials, academics and community leaders to strengthen economic, educational and research partnerships between Florida and Germany.

The event welcomed approximately 40 participants, including representatives from German companies, local entrepreneurs, government officials and higher education leaders. The roundtable centered on the Joint Declaration of Intent signed in January 2026 by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and German Ambassador Jens Hanefeld, which expands cooperation between Florida and Germany in areas including advanced technologies, aerospace, manufacturing, life sciences, workforce development, university partnerships, investment and innovation.

UNF Coggin College of Business Interim Dean Gary A. Giamartino opened the event by welcoming attendees and emphasizing the important role universities play in fostering international partnerships, developing talent and supporting regional economic growth.

"It is an honor for us to host such distinguished leaders from government, business and academia who share a commitment to expanding trade, investments, innovations and talent development between Germany and Florida," Giamartino said. "We are grateful for the many contributions that local German companies have made to our community's economic health and well-being and for the many efforts toenhance internationalcooperations and exchange."

During the event, Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan highlighted the city's expanding business landscape and its growing importance as a hub for international investment and innovation.

Consul General Christofer Burger, representing the Federal Republic of Germany in Florida, emphasized the importance of the growing partnership and the opportunities it creates for both regions.

"Germany is already Florida's top European trading partner, and Jacksonville has recently attracted key investments by leading German innovators like Holon and Daimler Coaches," Burger said. "Today's event showed the enormous potential Jacksonville brings to the table. I am overwhelmed by the support from Mayor Deegan, Jacksonville's business community, top German companies and especially UNF, all stepping up to help advance this new partnership between Florida and Germany."

The program featured a panel discussion that brought together experts, including government officials, executives from German companies with offices in Jacksonville and UNF faculty to explore Florida's competitive advantages as a destination for foreign investment, workforce development opportunities and strategies for strengthening transatlantic collaboration in high-growth industries.

Dr. Tobias Huning, associate professor of management in Coggin, underscored the significance of the gathering and its potential to deepen ties between Northeast Florida and Germany.

"There is already great momentum in the city and surrounding communities. But today is an opportunity to elevate the relationship between Metro Jax and the Federal Republic of Germany and build academic, industrial and political exchange between our two nations," Huning said. "Let's also not forget there is a human side. People with courage and vision build the future, and those people are here today."

The evening concluded with networking opportunities designed to encourage future collaboration among business, government and higher education leaders. As the first in a planned statewide series of roundtables, the Jacksonville gathering established a foundation for continued dialogue and partnership, with future events scheduled for Tampa, Orlando and Miami.