Statement by Prof. Dr. Tobias Just on EXPO REAL 2025
“Every year, Expo Real in Munich is a barometer for the mood in the real estate industry. But it was difficult to make out a clear signal in the babble of voices. For every optimist in the conversation, there was (at least) one pessimist. So uncertainty remains the leitmotif of Expo 2025. There is a lack of political leaders who, both on the world stage, in Europe and, unfortunately, in domestic economic policy, set an orderly guideline that allows for confidence. Everywhere, tactical muddling through seems to dominate the strategic direction. And at the same time, Germany and Europe are striving to develop a convincing and future-oriented answer to the economic structural challenges AND opportunities associated with the topic of artificial intelligence.
Nevertheless, I did not leave the fair without hope. It may not be hope resting on the strong pillars of recovery, economic change or real messages of peace, but it is the smaller version of hope that is based on the industriousness and creativity of many companies, municipalities and engineers who are developing answers to the big questions on a small scale. This involves process optimization, automation, energy savings, new asset classes, marketing ideas or international cooperation. The opportunities no longer lie to the usual extent in German offices, but more often in Poland, Saudi Arabia or infrastructure projects, which must also include data centers. Schumpeter famously described the market process as creative destruction. Anyone who only pays attention to the destructive overlooks the new. The fair was a reminder that it is not the strongest who survive a crisis best, but the most adaptable.”
