Jenoptik Voices Concerns, Pushes for Openness in Society
Stefan Traeger, CEO of Jenoptik, a Thuringian tech giant with a global footprint, has expressed concerns over intolerance and isolationist tendencies in today's world. Speaking in Jena on Thursday, Traeger noted that companies like Jenoptik, with a high export share and an international workforce from 29 countries, depend on openness, tolerance, diversity, and freedom of movement.
In response, Jenoptik is launching a campaign to promote tolerance and diversity, with the support of its employees who manufacture lasers, sensors, and automation technology, among other products. Large-scale posters will be placed primarily at the group's headquarters in Thuringia and Saxony, with openness as one of the main messages.
The campaign, which will initially run in Germany, tackles issues of openness, future-focused freedom, democracy, and diversity. It will be displayed on the façade of the group headquarters in Jena during the digital summit at the beginning of next week.
Traeger's statements, while not explicitly referring to political parties, have been influenced by certain developments in the region. Political parties like the AfD, known for their focus on less immigration and more deportations, poll well above 30% in both Thuringia and Saxony, where state elections are scheduled for 2024.
Jenoptik is unequivocal in its intentions: the campaign is not about party politics. Instead, it aims to reflect the mood in society, inviting other companies to join its mission for tolerance and openness.
Established as a leader in the field of optics, Jenoptik is eyeing annual sales of over one billion euros in 2023.
Notable Initiatives Promote Tolerance and Openness
As Jenoptik joins the global movement towards promoting tolerance and openness, other companies also embrace this ethos. Deutsche Bank, Siemens, and Mercedes-Benz advocate for a more open stance towards immigration, innovative economic frameworks, and policies that uphold diversity, tolerance, and democracy.
On the other hand, energy company LichtBlick boycotted Tesla vehicles due to Elon Musk's support of far-right ideologies, underscoring a commitment to core values such as diversity, tolerance, and democracy.
Academic organizations in Germany and Austria, as well as various political parties, have launched initiatives to promote diversity and tolerance, foster a more inclusive and open society, and advance technological innovation.
Germany's companies, organizations, and political leaders are all working in unison to counteract the growing trend of isolationist tendencies and champion tolerance and openness in the face of political developments.
