Artificial Intelligence is no longer a future topic — it’s already reshaping how businesses operate.

In this episode of The Optimist, Dale Rickard speaks with Thomas Saueressig, Chief Customer Officer and Executive Board Member at SAP, about what it really takes to turn AI into measurable business value. From productivity gains across entire value chains to the importance of business context, data, and trust — this conversation goes beyond hype and dives into execution.

They also explore why Europe may have a unique advantage: a strong industrial base, deep operational data, and a growing focus on sovereignty.

With TECH in Heilbronn bringing together leaders from business, politics, and academia, the episode raises a crucial question: Can Europe define its own AI path — and compete globally on its own terms?

If you're shaping strategy, leading transformation, or building Europe’s digital future — this episode is for you.

The Optimist is presented by TECH by Handelsblatt Media Group and independent from the Handelsblatt editorial team. With the Technology Experience Convention Heilbronn (TECH), Handelsblatt Media Group, Handelsblatt and Schwarz Digits are creating a strategic platform to strengthen the European tech ecosystem. TECH‘s mission is to establish a „cluster of optimism“, connecting Europe’s most influential leaders across technology, industry, politics, and academia. More at tech-europe.org