Summer was at its best when, on 24 June, around 200 decision-makers from businesses, public authorities, academia and politics gathered at the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) in Cologne. Yet whilst summer temperatures reigned outside, the discussion in the conference hall centred on topics that could scarcely be more topical: geopolitical tensions, hybrid attacks, cybercrime and the question of how businesses can remain resilient in an increasingly uncertain world.

Under the theme “Between Geopolitics and Corporate Reality – Economic Security as a Key to Success”, ASW West e.V. hosted the 21st NRW Security Day. The event made it clear that economic security today goes far beyond traditional security measures. It is increasingly evolving into a strategic management task in which companies, security authorities and academia must work together to develop solutions.

Security is no longer a marginal issue

Just a few years ago, the focus on corporate security often centred on individual risks or technical protective measures. Today, the picture has changed fundamentally. International crises, cyber-attacks, economic interdependencies and increasingly complex regulatory requirements are all affecting companies simultaneously. Security strategies must therefore be conceived in a far more comprehensive manner than before.

It was precisely this development that ran like a common thread through the entire NRW Security Day. The event was held under the patronage of North Rhine-Westphalia’s Minister for the Interior, Herbert Reul, who travelled to Cologne in person and provided one of the highlights of the programme with his assessment of the current security situation. At the same time, the Security Day offered numerous opportunities for dialogue between the business community, public authorities and the research sector – a form of networking that is becoming increasingly important in light of the current threat landscape.

Research as the foundation of modern resilience

Dr Melanie von der Wiesche, Head of DLR’s Western Sites, made it clear right from the opening that security begins long before a crisis strikes. She emphasised that research is now a crucial building block for the protection of critical infrastructure and the development of resilient systems. Anyone wishing to understand future risks at an early stage must consistently translate scientific findings into practical protection concepts.

Institutions such as the DLR, in particular, are engaged intensively with issues surrounding resilience, technological developments and the protection of critical infrastructure. This highlights that security is no longer solely about reacting to specific incidents, but begins with the analysis of potential future threats.

Living with the ‘New Normal’

B Christian VogtB , CEO of ASW West, picked up on this line of thought. His key message was: uncertainty is no longer a temporary exception, but is increasingly the norm.

Companies must therefore adapt their security strategies to a world that is changing at an ever-faster pace. Traditional silo structures are no longer sufficient for this. Economic security must be organised on a cross-departmental basis and combine both organisational and technological aspects.

Particularly striking was the term “flexicurity”, which Vogt described as a guiding principle for modern security management. The idea behind this is to view security not as a rigid system, but to combine it with flexibility and adaptability. Companies must structure their organisations in such a way that they can react quickly to unforeseeable developments without losing their stability. Particularly in the face of geopolitical crises and dynamic threat scenarios, this combination is increasingly becoming a key factor for success.

Herbert Reul: Security is a prerequisite for economic success

The presentation by Herbert Reul, Minister of the Interior for the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, was then followed with great interest.

His analysis was unequivocal: the security situation has changed fundamentally in recent years. Politically motivated crime, extremism and cybercrime are increasingly shifting into digital spaces and affect both the state and the economy in equal measure. Attacks on companies are no longer the exception, but part of a complex threat landscape that is continually growing.

Reul made it clear that economic success is hardly conceivable without security. Companies need stable framework conditions in order to invest, produce and drive innovation. Economic security must therefore not be the sole responsibility of individual security departments. Rather, it must be embedded at management level and become part of strategic corporate decision-making.

The Minister was equally clear in articulating a realisation that was reiterated several times throughout the day: there will never be complete protection against all risks. It is therefore crucial to identify threats as early as possible, assess risks realistically and take preventive action. This goal can only be achieved through close cooperation between the business sector and state security authorities.

Business security thrives on exchange

In addition to the specialist presentations, it became clear as early as the morning just how important personal dialogue has become. Between programme items, numerous participants took the opportunity to exchange experiences, make new contacts and discuss current developments. Particularly in times of hybrid threats, isolated action by individual organisations is hardly sufficient anymore. Rather, robust security concepts emerge where businesses, academia and public authorities share their knowledge with one another.

The NRW Security Day was therefore conceived not merely as a traditional specialist conference, but as a platform for building resilient networks. This idea was a recurring theme throughout the entire event and formed the basis for the day’s further discussions.

Hybrid threats, disinformation and resilience – rethinking security

Following the strategic insights into the role of economic security, the rest of the NRW Security Day focused on specific threats. The presentations made it clear that companies today no longer need to protect themselves against individual risks alone. Rather, they face a complex web of geopolitical tensions, targeted influence operations, digital attacks and technological upheavals. The boundaries between traditional crime, state activities and economic interests are becoming increasingly blurred – and this is precisely where one of the greatest challenges for modern economic security lies.

When information becomes a weapon

A key theme of the morning was the growing significance of disinformation as a component of hybrid threats. Prof. Dr Hektor Haarkötter from Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences impressively demonstrated how professionally manipulated information is now being used to unsettle societies, undermine trust or deliberately influence economic decisions.

This is no longer solely a matter of obvious false reports. Modern disinformation often operates subtly, taking real events and altering their context, or combining true and false information to create a credible narrative. Companies are just as affected by this as government institutions.

Haarkötter made it clear that simply refuting individual pieces of false information is often insufficient today. It is far more important to build resilience in organisations and staff against attempts at manipulation at an early stage. Digital media literacy and a critical approach to information have therefore long since become an essential component of modern security strategies. Resilience begins long before an attack becomes apparent.

Hybrid attacks know no boundaries

Bodo Becker, Head of Division at the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, then explained just how closely various forms of threat are intertwined today. His analysis made it clear that state and state-backed actors have long since ceased to rely exclusively on traditional espionage.

Rather, digital attacks, sabotage, information gathering, economic influence and disinformation campaigns are deliberately combined. This hybrid approach makes it considerably more difficult to attribute individual attacks and, at the same time, increases the pressure on companies to continuously develop their security structures.

Economically significant companies and operators of critical infrastructure, in particular, are increasingly in the spotlight. Attacks target not only sensitive data or technical know-how, but also, to an ever-greater extent, supply chains, production processes and trust in companies.

Becker therefore emphasised the importance of a holistic approach to economic security. No company could meet these challenges alone. Crucial factors, he said, were robust partnerships between the business sector and security authorities, as well as a continuous exchange of information on current threats and attack patterns. Only in this way could the necessary speed of response be achieved.

Geopolitics is becoming a business risk

Whilst cyber-attacks and disinformation are often immediately apparent, geopolitical changes frequently have a more insidious effect – sometimes with far-reaching consequences for businesses. Dr Konstantinos Tsetsos therefore turned his attention to international developments and their impact on economic decision-making.

Using various future scenarios, he illustrated how the global order is currently changing. Shifts in the international balance of power, technological competition and increasing economic fragmentation are having a direct impact on supply chains, investment decisions and the strategic planning of many companies.

His message was clear: companies must no longer view geopolitical developments solely as a matter of foreign policy. They are increasingly becoming a crucial economic risk factor.

Resilience therefore means far more than crisis management. Companies must continuously adapt their strategies to a changing international environment, critically scrutinise their dependencies and integrate risks into their corporate planning for the long term. Anyone who views resilience merely as a short-term reaction to individual events will be ill-equipped to meet future challenges.

Security is becoming a task for society as a whole

Major General (retired) Wolfgang Gäbelein built on these considerations and once again broadened the perspective significantly beyond the corporate sphere.

He painted a picture of a security environment that has undergone fundamental change. Future conflicts would no longer be fought exclusively in traditional military theatres. Digital attacks, sabotage of critical infrastructure and hybrid influence operations could affect states just as much as companies or public institutions.

Against this backdrop, the private sector plays a significantly greater role in the national security architecture than it did just a few years ago. Defence capability is no longer the sole responsibility of state institutions. Companies, public administrations and societal actors must also play their part in order to maintain critical functions in the long term.

Gäbelein particularly emphasised the importance of interconnected structures. Decentralised solutions, resilient cooperation and the close integration of economic security and national security are essential prerequisites for being able to respond flexibly to future crises. Security is thus increasingly becoming a shared responsibility of all societal actors.

A shared realisation: resilience is not a project with an end date

Whether disinformation, cyber-attacks or geopolitical changes – despite differing perspectives, all the presentations led to a shared conclusion. Resilience does not arise spontaneously during a crisis. It must be built up over the long term, regularly reviewed and continuously developed.

It also became clear that modern security extends far beyond technical solutions. Corporate culture, leadership, collaboration and the ongoing exchange between industry, academia and security authorities are increasingly becoming the decisive factors in successful security strategies.

It was precisely this close interlinking of different areas of expertise that made the NRW Security Day 2026 more than just a traditional specialist event. The discussions made it clear that business security today can only be effective if all stakeholders are prepared to share knowledge, learn from one another and jointly take responsibility for the resilience of the economy and society.

From regulation to resilience – business security requires collaboration

Against the backdrop of geopolitical developments and hybrid threats, the afternoon’s discussions focused on how companies can tangibly strengthen their resilience. It became clear that resilience today encompasses far more than technical protective measures. It arises from the interplay of organisation, processes, leadership and close cooperation between the business sector, public authorities and academia. It was precisely this perspective that characterised the concluding presentations at the NRW Security Day.

Critical infrastructure as the backbone of society

Stefan Engelbrecht, Head of Group Security at RWE AG and a board member of ASW West e.V., illustrated just how closely corporate security and the stability of an entire country are interlinked. Using the example of the energy supply, he made it clear that critical infrastructure is far more than just individual economic sectors. It forms the basis for the functioning of modern societies.

If the energy supply fails or is deliberately targeted, the consequences are not limited to individual companies. Supply chains grind to a halt, production processes come to a standstill and public institutions can only fulfil their duties to a limited extent. The protection of critical infrastructure is therefore inextricably linked to Germany’s resilience.

Engelbrecht also emphasised that cooperation between companies and security authorities has intensified significantly in recent years. In particular, he noted that the exchange of security-related information is now much closer than it was a few years ago. He described this development as an important step forward for economic security, but at the same time made it clear that the expansion of joint networks must be consistently pursued. Resilience can only be achieved if information is shared quickly and experiences are pooled.

Regulation as an opportunity rather than a mere formality

Hardly any other issue is currently occupying security managers as much as the multitude of new legal requirements. With NIS2, the planned KRITIS umbrella law and the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), new requirements are emerging that present companies with considerable organisational and technical challenges.

Marius Wiersch from HiSolutions, however, argued that this development should not be viewed solely as a regulatory burden. Those who view new regulations merely as a checklist and simply tick off individual requirements will miss out on the actual added value.

Instead, companies should use the new legal framework to further develop their security organisation in the long term. The aim must be to establish sustainable structures, clearly define responsibilities and permanently embed security processes within the company. Resilience does not arise from individual measures, but from a security culture that combines organisational, technical and personnel aspects.

New technologies open up opportunities – and create new risks

The technical session concluded with a presentation by Dr Daniel Lichte, Head of the Resilience and Risk Methodology Department at the DLR Institute for the Protection of Terrestrial Infrastructures.

Using the example of drone defence, he demonstrated just how rapidly technological developments are impacting the security landscape. Unmanned aerial systems open up numerous commercial applications, but at the same time can pose significant risks to companies and operators of critical infrastructure.

Lichte made it clear that effective protective measures can only be developed on the basis of sound risk analyses. Companies must therefore not only assess new technologies in terms of their potential, but also take into account possible scenarios of misuse. A realistic threat analysis is a prerequisite for developing suitable protection concepts and targeting investments effectively.

More than just presentations – a platform for dialogue

In addition to the extensive programme of specialist sessions, the NRW Security Day thrived above all on personal interaction. During the breaks, participants took the opportunity to discuss current developments, share practical experiences and make new contacts.

The accompanying exhibition by partners and sponsors, which offered insights into current solutions and developments in the field of industrial security, also attracted considerable interest. The focus was not solely on technologies, but equally on collaboration and joint strategies for tackling future challenges.

Herbert Reul, NRW’s Minister for the Interior, also took the time to tour the exhibition and engage in personal discussions with the exhibiting companies. It was precisely these direct encounters between politicians, business representatives and security officials that underlined the event’s networking nature.

A look behind the scenes at the DLR

To round off the day’s events, the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) opened its doors for a guided tour of the site. Interested participants gained an insight into the work carried out at the research centre and were able to see for themselves the role that scientific institutions play in developing sustainable security and resilience concepts.

Afterwards, the discussions moved to the terrace of the DLR canteen, where a communal barbecue marked the official end of the event. In a relaxed atmosphere, the discussions from the specialist presentations continued, contacts were strengthened and new collaborations were initiated – a fitting conclusion that once again underlined the open nature of the NRW Security Day.

A joint effort involving many participants

An event of this scale thrives on the commitment of numerous contributors. ASW West therefore expressed its gratitude to all the speakers, participants, partners and sponsors who, through their expertise and support, made the NRW Security Day 2026 possible.

Special thanks went to the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) as the host, as well as to Dr Melanie von der Wiesche, Mr Langerbeins and the entire organising team for their close cooperation and hospitality. B Henning VoßB from the Office for the Protection of the Constitution at the Ministry of the Interior of North Rhine-Westphalia, as well as the management of the NRW Security Partnership, were also commended for their professional moderation of the event.

Furthermore, ASW West expressly thanked its Chairman Christian Vogt, Managing Director Britta Brisch, Petra Brinkmann, Julia Gun and the entire organising team, who had prepared and delivered the 21st NRW Security Day with great dedication.

Conclusion: Security is becoming a competitive factor

The 21st NRW Security Day made it clear that business security is undergoing fundamental change in an era of geopolitical uncertainty and technological upheaval. Companies today face the challenge of identifying risks at an early stage, making their organisations resilient and establishing security as an integral part of business decision-making.

The presentations demonstrated from various perspectives that resilience does not arise only in times of crisis. It is the result of continuous preparation, strategic planning and close cooperation between industry, academia, security authorities and politicians.

Complete protection against all risks remains unattainable. Yet this was precisely the central message of the 2026 NRW Security Day: what matters is not the illusion of absolute security, but the ability to identify threats at an early stage, to take joint responsibility and to continuously build up one’s own resilience.

With this aim in mind, our review of the NRW Security Day 2026 comes to a close – whilst at the same time looking ahead. The date for the next edition of the event has already been set: on 3 May 2027, ASW West intends to continue the dialogue on the future of economic security.