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Zukunftskongress Logistik

Zukunftskongress Logistik - Where the Future of Logistics is Shaped

In an era where supply chains are evolving rapidly and digital transformation is no longer optional, the Zukunftskongress Logistik known internationally as the Future Congress Logistics: Dortmund Talks has emerged as one of the most important events in Europe for the exchange between research, business, and society.

Taking place annually in Dortmund, Germany, the congress has earned a reputation as a platform where visionary thinking meets practical implementation. It’s not just another industry gathering it’s where the direction of logistics is debated, decided, and designed. From digital twins and AI to sustainability and human-centric innovation, the congress creates space for bold ideas, concrete strategies, and shared responsibility.

A Unique Intersection of Research, Industry, and Social Transformation

What sets the Future Congress Logistics apart is its multidisciplinary approach. Unlike typical trade shows that focus primarily on commercial transactions or new product showcases, this event explores logistics as a societal driver, blending science, business, and civic perspectives.

Organized by leading German research institutes, including Fraunhofer IML and the Technical University of Dortmund, the event acts as a bridge between theoretical development and industrial application.

The congress explores topics such as:

Artificial intelligence and machine learning in logistics

Sustainable supply chain models and circular logistics

Human-technology collaboration in warehouse environments

Autonomous systems and the Internet of Things (IoT)

Ethical implications of data-driven logistics

The inclusion of social and political angles ensures that logistics isn't treated in isolation but as part of a broader conversation about the future of society and the economy.

Why the Zukunftskongress Logistik Is an Essential Event

With a rapidly changing global landscape, logistics is at the forefront of innovation, resilience, and sustainability. The congress provides a space for professionals and academics alike to reflect, rethink, and reimagine.

Attending the event offers several compelling benefits:

Insight into cutting-edge research before it reaches the market

Access to industry pioneers leading real-world innovation

Opportunities for collaborative projects across sectors

Exposure to logistics startups and emerging technologies

Dialogue on regulatory and ethical frameworks shaping the future

It’s not just about staying informed it’s about actively shaping what comes next.

Programme Structure: Thoughtful, Strategic, and Human-Centric

Unlike dense, sales-driven expos, the Zukunftskongress Logistik follows a clear structure that facilitates learning, interaction, and reflection. The programme is built around keynotes, panel discussions, and moderated talks, designed to create space for both inspiration and critical thinking.

The typical structure includes:

Day 1: Strategic Keynotes + Industry Panels

Day 2: Research Sessions + Innovation Workshops

Day 3: Startup Presentations + Networking Events

Between sessions, attendees are encouraged to network in curated spaces that support deeper conversation, including research cafés, breakout rooms, and live labs.

With its digital newsletter, the congress keeps participants up to date about schedules, speaker lineups, and organizational updates making it easy to stay connected before, during, and after the event.

A Platform for Startups and Emerging Talent

In addition to academic and enterprise representation, the congress has become an essential launchpad for young talent and innovative startups working in logistics and adjacent fields. The Startup Track offers a rare opportunity to pitch directly to industry experts, potential investors, and strategic partners.

By highlighting early-stage ideas alongside established enterprise projects, the event reinforces one of its core messages: the future of logistics is collaborative.

Here, new voices are not just welcome they are essential.

Key Highlights from Past Editions

Over the years, the Future Congress Logistics has featured groundbreaking topics and forward-thinking perspectives that have shaped European logistics strategies. Some memorable themes include:

The Logistics Mall concept - an early model of logistics-as-a-service

Digital Shadows and Digital Twins - bridging the physical and digital world

Blockchain in Logistics - from hype to real-world application

Robotics in Intralogistics - enhancing, not replacing, human effort

Resilient Supply Chains - especially critical in the post-pandemic world

Each of these ideas, once presented as future visions, are now standard discussions in logistics boardrooms, showing the event’s influence and foresight.

The Role of Dortmund: A Symbolic and Strategic Location

Dortmund is not only home to the congress it’s a symbol of industrial transformation. Once a center of heavy industry, the city has reinvented itself as a hub for innovation and applied research in logistics and digitalization.

The presence of institutes like Fraunhofer IML, one of the world’s leading logistics research organizations, provides a strong foundation for the event and ensures scientific rigor behind the discussions.

For attendees, the city serves as a living example of how traditional industries can evolve, adapt, and thrive in a digital era.

The Zukunftskongress Logistik as a Future-Shaping Event

In a sector often defined by movement, the Future Congress Logistics - Dortmund Talks offers something rare: a moment to pause and think deeply about where we’re headed.

By bringing together academia, industry, and society, the event fosters a balanced conversation that goes beyond technology and profitability. It asks: How can logistics serve humanity better? How can we build systems that are smarter, more inclusive, and more resilient?

If you are a logistics leader, researcher, policymaker, or innovator, this is not just a conference you should attend it’s one you’ll want to be part of.