forumWHU

forumWHU: Connecting Economic Leadership, Policy Thinking, and Student Initiative in Europe

forumWHU is an annual student-run conference hosted at WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management, that brings together leaders from business, politics, and academia to discuss key economic and societal developments. Over the years, it has evolved into a respected platform for meaningful debate on how economic decisions shape the broader social and political environment. Its core philosophy is simple yet powerful: the economy does not exist in isolation, and responsible leadership requires understanding the interconnected nature of today’s challenges.

A platform for ideas and exchange

Each conference edition revolves around a central theme that reflects pressing issues in Germany, Europe, and the world. Recent discussions have focused on innovation, sustainability, geopolitical shifts, and the future of economic growth. The format combines keynote speeches, panel conversations, interactive workshops, and networking sessions – creating an environment where students and professionals can exchange ideas openly. This mix of perspectives gives the conference its unique character: rigorous analysis blended with the power of young thinkers.

This approach aligns with the interests and mission of EPIS since it aims to bridge the gap between academic research and policy practice by producing structured analysis, hosting events, and fostering collaboration across Europe. forumWHU aligns with this mission, as the conference offers both intellectual content and strategic networking opportunities.

Strategic values of forumWHU for EPIS

For EPIS, the value of forumWHU is threefold. First, it exposes members to cross-sector dialogue. Many global challenges today – from energy security to supply-chain resilience and digital sovereignty – sit at the intersection of economics and geopolitics. forumWHU brings these dimensions together in a way that broadens the analytical lens of EPIS researchers and complements the think tank’s work.

Second, the conference offers a high-quality networking environment. By engaging with business leaders, policymakers, and academics, EPIS members can expand their professional network beyond the traditional international-relations sphere. These contacts can later support collaborative research or expert interviews for policy briefs. The conference’s career-oriented elements also align well with EPIS’s goal of connecting young Europeans with real-world opportunities.

Third, forumWHU provides EPIS with visibility. As a fast-growing European think tank, EPIS benefits from positioning itself within influential intellectual and professional communities. Participating in a prestigious conference elevates its profile, showcases its expertise, and strengthens its credibility as an organisation capable of contributing to complex debates on Europe’s future.

A shared culture of initiative

Finally, there is an essential cultural similarity between forumWHU and EPIS. Both are driven by motivated students who want to shape public discourse rather than passively observe it. This shared spirit of initiative, curiosity, and responsibility creates a natural affinity between the two organisations. In both cases, students take ownership of complex topics, engage critically with real-world challenges, and actively contribute to debates that extend beyond academic settings into policy and society at large.

In sum, forumWHU is more than a business conference – it is a multidimensional forum for exploring how economic, political, and societal factors intertwine. For EPIS, participation is not only relevant but strategically meaningful, offering insights, partnerships, and inspiration that reinforce its mission to foster informed, interdisciplinary debate across Europe.

By Olivia Valtulini Prisco.

Suggested Citation: Valtulini Prisco, O. (2026). "forumWHU". EPIS Blog.