Hike
Explore ideas on the go. Walk, listen and debate in inspirational surroundings which stimulate both mind and senses.
Hikes on the Schedule 2023
Friday, 25 August
Afternoon
Sufficiency and Democracy: New Processes for Inclusive Societal Transformation
Amidst the prevalence of greenwashing and lukewarm sustainability strategies, sufficiency concepts could serve as a powerful means to reignite the ambition required for a profound societal transformation towards sustainability. However, public debates on sufficiency often remain limited in scope, primarily focusing on reducing excessive individual consumption of resources and energy. Yet, sufficiency is fundamentally an integral component for an inclusive societal transformation. Embracing the aim of a good life for all, how can we effectively translate the principles of sufficiency into a new social understanding within democratic societies? On this we will reflect during a walk, discussing the development of new understandings and their implications for participation processes, governance structures, and existing institutions.
Session Objective: Creating a community of action – Connect with like-minded individuals, build interest groups and promote long-term action by planning next steps and follow-ups with other participants.
//INFO: Hike to Gasthof Rossmoos. Bring hiking shoes and water. In case of heavy rain, there is going to be a shuttle to Gasthof Rossmoos.
14:00
-
16:30
Sufficiency and Democracy: New Processes for Inclusive Societal Transformation
+5
From Start-up to Scale-up in Europe: Afraid of Growing Up?
To keep up with the pace of technological and environmental change and stay in the game, Europe has to rely on fast growing start-ups. Financing and scaling up new solutions require a mix of financial instruments. How can Europe create a broad entrepreneurial ecosystem? How can capital be deployed so that our economies are supported by European technologies, ideas, solutions and products?
Session objective: Imagining new possibilities – Get inspired and foster new ideas by imagining bold solutions to complex challenges and imagine disruptively new ways of thinking.
//INFO: Circular hiking trail Alpbacher Heimatweg.
Bring hiking shoes and water. In case of heavy rain, the session will take place in the first floor (EG3) in the elementary school of Alpbach.
//INFO: Circular hiking trail Alpbacher Heimatweg.
Bring hiking shoes and water. In case of heavy rain, the session will take place in the first floor (EG3) in the elementary school of Alpbach.
14:00
-
16:30
From Start-up to Scale-up in Europe: Afraid of Growing Up?
+4
Fin
Saturday, 26 August
Afternoon
New Ways of Enforcing the Rule of Law in Europe
Enforcing the rule of law is crucial for maintaining a democratic and stable civil society in Europe. Unfortunately, the EU faces challenges in applying its own rule of law mechanism. Are there better or new approaches and tools to uphold the rule of law in Europe?
Session objective: Imagining new possibilities – Get inspired and foster new ideas by imagining bold solutions to complex challenges and imagine disruptively new ways of thinking.
//INFO: Circular hiking trail Böglerwiese Hausberg.
//INFO: Circular hiking trail Böglerwiese Hausberg.
Bring hiking shoes and water. In case of heavy rain, the session is going to take place in the Otto Molden Foyer of the CCA.
14:00
-
16:30
New Ways of Enforcing the Rule of Law in Europe
+3
Dem
Climate Activism: Driving Climate Policy
Over the past years, youth-led climate movements have been particularly powerful and effective in putting the climate crisis on the political agenda. How can the current climate protests shape policy, as activists increasingly demand structural, systemic change? How can politicians and administrators better incorporate the interests of young and future generations into policy?
Session objective: Creating a community of action – Connect with like-minded individuals, build interest groups and promote long-term action by planning next steps and follow-ups with other participants.
INFO: Circular hiking trail Alpbacher Heimatweg. Bring hiking shoes and water. In case of heavy rain, the session is going to take place in the classroom EG1 of the Volksschule Alpbach.
INFO: Circular hiking trail Alpbacher Heimatweg. Bring hiking shoes and water. In case of heavy rain, the session is going to take place in the classroom EG1 of the Volksschule Alpbach.
14:00
-
16:30
Climate Activism: Driving Climate Policy
+3
Cli
Monday, 28 August
Morning
Is the Use of AI Disrupting Democracy?
While AI has the potential to enhance democratic processes, its use can also endanger democracy in several ways. Much depends on how the technology is developed, implemented, and regulated. Is Europe in a unique position to shape this complicated relationship? Can the EU take a leading role by implementing the AI Act?
Session objective: Building understanding – Build your understanding by learning about personal insights and experiences as well as developments in science, society, politics or world affairs.
//INFO: Because of heavy rain, the session is going to take place in the first floor (OG1) of the Volksschule Alpbach.
//INFO: Because of heavy rain, the session is going to take place in the first floor (OG1) of the Volksschule Alpbach.
09:00
-
12:00
Is the Use of AI Disrupting Democracy?
+4
Dem
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly? Bitcoin, Crypto and the Future of Money
//INFO: Because of bad weather the session will take place in the second floor (OG2) of the elementary school of Alpbach.
New financial technologies have revolutionised the world of finance. Despite significant growth, we now witness the frailties of these developments, such as the recent unprecedented market turmoil in the crypto industry. What steps need to be taken by both the industry and policymakers to rebuild trust and harness the potential of blockchain technology? How can we shape the future of money and financial services?
Session objective: Imagining new possibilities – Get inspired and foster new ideas by imagining bold solutions to complex challenges and imagine disruptively new ways of thinking.
//INFO: Because of bad weather the session will take place in the second floor (OG2) of the elementary school of Alpbach.
09:00
-
12:00
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly? Bitcoin, Crypto and the Future of Money
+4
Fin
Tuesday, 29 August
Thursday, 31 August
Morning
More Green, Less Grey – Realising Innovative Urban Neighbourhoods to Prevent Overheated Cities
//INFO: Hike to Zirmalm. Bring hiking shoes and water. In case of heavy rain, there is going to be a shuttle to Zirmalm. After the session at 12pm shuttles will bring you back to the Congress Centrum Alpbach.
Green facades are seen as a tool to strengthen the resilience of cities against the backdrop of climate change. However, the devil is in the details. Fire protection, the right choice of planting, and pressure of use of public space are examples of many factors that must be ensured to achieve optimum effect. Another highly effective form of not only protecting urban space from overheating, but also pushing biodiversity, is green roofs. During the Hike, national and international showcase projects will be discussed with high-level experts.
//INFO: Hike to Zirmalm. Bring hiking shoes and water. In case of heavy rain, there is going to be a shuttle to Zirmalm. After the session at 12pm shuttles will bring you back to the Congress Centrum Alpbach.
09:00
-
12:00
More Green, Less Grey – Realising Innovative Urban Neighbourhoods to Prevent Overheated Cities
+4
Cli
Europe’s Economic Lessons Learned from Russia’s War against Ukraine
//INFO: Circular hiking trail Alpbacher Heimatweg.
Bring hiking shoes and water. In case of heavy rain, the session will take place in the first floor (EG3) in the elementary school of Alpbach.
Russia’s war against Ukraine has severely disrupted historic economic and financial ties with Europe. Europe’s large exposure to Russia has led to huge adjustment costs and the need to reshape its economies for a longer-term disengagement from Russia. How can Europe assume a position of strength while dealing with these adjustments? How, in turn, can Europe foster interlinkages with Ukraine for mutual benefit and integrate its large economy into its markets?
Session objective: Building understanding – Build your understanding by learning about personal insights and experiences as well as developments in business, society, politics or world affairs.
//INFO: Circular hiking trail Alpbacher Heimatweg.
Bring hiking shoes and water. In case of heavy rain, the session will take place in the first floor (EG3) in the elementary school of Alpbach.
09:00
-
12:00
Europe’s Economic Lessons Learned from Russia’s War against Ukraine
+3
Fin
Technological Innovation - Enabler of the Energy Transition
//INFO: Hike to Gasthof Rossmoos. Bring hiking shoes and water. In case of heavy rain, there is going to be a
shuttle to Gasthof Rossmoos.
Technological innovation is crucial in accelerating the energy transition. It can help improve the efficiency, reliability and sustainability of energy production, transmission and use. Discuss different perspectives on key
technologies for the green transition.
technologies for the green transition.
//INFO: Hike to Gasthof Rossmoos. Bring hiking shoes and water. In case of heavy rain, there is going to be a
shuttle to Gasthof Rossmoos.
09:00
-
12:00
Technological Innovation - Enabler of the Energy Transition
+3
Cli
Personal, Collective and Systemic Reflection
The essence of what will guide this session is: How do we be with the urgency and complexity that is happening around us?
The space of this reflective hike will be held by Ilana Wetzler, transformational facilitator.
//INFO: Circular hiking trail Böglerwiese Hausberg. Bring hiking shoes and water. In case of heavy rain, the session will take place in the first floor (EG1) of the Volksschule of Alpbach.
This is a space to delve into deep reflection and process experiences amidst all conversations and impressions happening in Alpbach. Collectively and individually you have the chance explore what moves you.
The essence of what will guide this session is: How do we be with the urgency and complexity that is happening around us?
The space of this reflective hike will be held by Ilana Wetzler, transformational facilitator.
//INFO: Circular hiking trail Böglerwiese Hausberg. Bring hiking shoes and water. In case of heavy rain, the session will take place in the first floor (EG1) of the Volksschule of Alpbach.
09:00
-
12:00
Personal, Collective and Systemic Reflection
Cli
Fin
Friday, 01 September
Morning
Time for a „Zeitenwende“ in Austria?
The war in Ukraine has caused many European countries to fundamentally rethink their security and defence policies. Finland and Sweden have decided to abandon their decades-long policy of non-alignment and to join NATO. Germany has announced a “Zeitenwende”, a historic turning point, for German defence policy and a special fund of 100 billion euros for the German Armed Forces. Austria has also decided to increase defence spending and to develop a new security strategy. What should the cornerstones of this new strategy look like and how should Austria adjust its security policy in light of the changed geopolitical framework? To kick-off the debate, the Austrian Institute for European and Security Policy (AIES) will present the findings of their new study on Austrian security policy.
Session objective: Imagining new possibilities – Get inspired and foster new ideas by imagining bold solutions to complex challenges and imagine disruptively new ways of thinking.
//INFO: Circular hiking trail Alpbacher Heimatweg.
Bring hiking shoes and water. In case of heavy rain, the session is going to take place in the gym of the Mittelschule Alpbach.
Bring hiking shoes and water. In case of heavy rain, the session is going to take place in the gym of the Mittelschule Alpbach.
09:00
-
12:00
Time for a „Zeitenwende“ in Austria?
+4
Sec
Feminist (Counter-)Revolutions
The feminist (counter-)revolutions in Iran and Afghanistan illustrate the ongoing fight of women in order to obtain more rights and autonomy in patriarchal societies. Despite significant challenges, danger and repression, women have continued to mobilise and push for change. How can these efforts be successful in both the short and long-term?
Session objective: Building understanding – Build your understanding by learning about personal insights and experiences as well as developments in science, society, politics or world affairs.
//INFO: Circular hiking trail Böglerwiese Hausberg. Bring hiking shoes and water. In case of heavy rain, the session is going to take place on the first floor (EG1) of the Volksschule Alpbach.
//INFO: Circular hiking trail Böglerwiese Hausberg. Bring hiking shoes and water. In case of heavy rain, the session is going to take place on the first floor (EG1) of the Volksschule Alpbach.
09:00
-
12:00
Feminist (Counter-)Revolutions
+3
Dem
Transforming Food and Agriculture for a Sustainable Future
Climate change and environmental threats such as the degradation of forests, land, soil and waterways are impacting farmers and communities. These threats put farmer livelihoods at risk and jeopardize the accessibility and availability of quality food. We need transformative change and embark on a journey to advance regenerative food systems to help protect and restore our planet's resources.
//INFO: Hike to Gasthof Rossmoos. Bring hiking shoes and water. In case of heavy rain, there is going to be a shuttle to Gasthof Rossmoos.
//INFO: Hike to Gasthof Rossmoos. Bring hiking shoes and water. In case of heavy rain, there is going to be a shuttle to Gasthof Rossmoos.
09:00
-
12:00
Transforming Food and Agriculture for a Sustainable Future
+3
Cli
Afternoon
Finance Disrupted: Digitalisation, Inequality and the Future of Banking
The European financial system is undergoing profound changes due to long-term disruptions, such as ongoing digitalisation, rising inequalities, and the uncertain future of banking. How will these disruptions affect the European financial system? How can policymakers ensure the financial stability of the financial sector and long-term prosperity in Europe?
Session objective: Imagining new possibilities – Get inspired and foster new ideas by imagining bold solutions to complex challenges and imagine disruptively new ways of thinking.
//INFO: Circular hiking trail Alpbacher Heimatweg. Bring hiking shoes and water. In case of heavy rain, the session is going to take place in the classroom EG3 of the Volksschule Alpbach.
Session objective: Imagining new possibilities – Get inspired and foster new ideas by imagining bold solutions to complex challenges and imagine disruptively new ways of thinking.
//INFO: Circular hiking trail Alpbacher Heimatweg. Bring hiking shoes and water. In case of heavy rain, the session is going to take place in the classroom EG3 of the Volksschule Alpbach.
14:00
-
16:30
Finance Disrupted: Digitalisation, Inequality and the Future of Banking
+3
Fin
Entrepreneurship - the Key to Europe´s Technological Sovereignty?
![speaker-image]()
Climate crisis, healthcare overload, energy security, skill shortages - we are facing major challenges that the state alone will not solve. How do we get the brightest minds in Europe to work on the big problems of our time? How can Europe become more independent and resilient, without tapping into protectionism? And which technologies should be at the centre of our efforts?
//INFO: Hike to Wurmhof. Bring hiking shoes and water. In case of heavy rain, there is going to be a shuttle to Wurmhof.
14:00
-
16:30
Entrepreneurship - the Key to Europe´s Technological Sovereignty?
+2
Fin
Fractured Futures: Art Hike
Join us for a conversation with artist Soli Kiani to discuss her approach to politically engaged art. In her work, Kiani portrays the total loss of freedom and human rights. What is the value of self-determination in societies that exert control over people's private lives?
//INFO: After looking at and discussing Soli Kiani's sculpture "Knot" in the CCA, we will gather on the CCA roof for a conversation.
//INFO: After looking at and discussing Soli Kiani's sculpture "Knot" in the CCA, we will gather on the CCA roof for a conversation.
15:45
-
16:45
Fractured Futures: Art Hike
Art