Corporate Program Chicago: Council on Global Affairs

BUSINESS AS USUAL? THE FUTURE OF BUSINESS IN EUROPE

Global business and trade are suffering due to the crisis in Europe, which has reached worldwide proportions. As markets shudder from the systemic ripple effects of recent developments, European leaders are scrambling to find solutions. Businesses in Europe have been particularly affected. However, given the scale of the issues at stake, little attention is focused on the continent’s companies, especially its small and medium enterprises. Yet they constitute 99 percent of all businesses in the EU and form the backbone of the European economy. Even before 2008, Europe seemed to fall behind in a number of fields, such as the overall business environment, market reforms, innovation, and workforce development. What are the opportunities and challenges for European companies in times like these? How can Europe compete in the new global economic paradigm? What role should governments play? Join The Chicago Council and Christoph Leitl for a discussion on the current economic situation and the future of business in Europe.

Christoph Leitl is the president of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKO), the most influential business organization in Austria. The WKO represents the interests of over 350,000 Austrian companies in Austria and throughout the world. Leitl also holds leadership positions at the European Small and Medium Entrepreneurs Union. From 2002 to 2005, Leitl served as president of Eurochambres (The Association of European Chambers of Commerce and Industry). Eurochambres represents 20 million enterprises in Europe through 46 national and transnational chamber organizations and a network of regional and local chambers. Leitl also serves in academic positions at leading universities in Princeton, Shanghai, Cape Town, Istanbul, and Vienna. He earned a B.A. and a Ph.D. from Johannes Kepler University.

This program is preceded by a complimentary wine and cheese reception, featuring a selection of fine wines from Austria. The reception is generously supported by Advantage Austria – Austrian Trade Commission and the Austrian Consulate General in Chicago.