Dresden, Germany – The 2025 edition of the Dresden Nexus Conference (DNC) marked the official launch of Business Meets Science, a dedicated feature aimed at fostering stronger synergy between the scientific community and the private sector in the pursuit of sustainable environmental management of resources.
The initiative reflects a growing recognition that businesses are critical stakeholders in advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. As global environmental challenges become increasingly complex, aligning business innovation with scientific research is essential for scalable, real-world solutions.
The significance of this intersection was underscored earlier this year when the United Nations University (UNU) Headquarters in Tokyo welcomed the CEO and Executive Director of the UN Global Compact, who also serves as Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations. The UN Global Compact champions the role of private sector in advancing Sustainable Development Goals.
At the Dresden conference, Business Meets Science was officially opened by Mr. Thomas Schmidt, Member of the European Committee of the Regions. In his remarks, he emphasized the significance of science-industry cooperation and noted Saxony’s leadership as a hub of innovation, with numerous companies pioneering technologies and approaches that support a more sustainable future.
The inaugural edition of Business Meets Science brought together approximately 30 participants representing 15 regional companies and Saxon organizations. Their involvement underscored the potential of cross-sector partnerships in addressing sustainability challenges.
