Olaf Lies

Olaf Lies combines many years of political leadership experience with a professional background in engineering, research and development. Since 20 May 2025, he has been Minister-President of the State of Lower Saxony. Previously, as a minister, he was responsible for key areas of state policy – ranging from economy, labour and transport to energy and climate protection, and construction and digitalisation. This gives him a broad perspective on the economic and technological changes that concern businesses, politics and society alike. Source: Lower Saxony State Chancellery

His career began in practice: born in Wilhelmshaven in 1967, Lies first trained as a radio electronics technician at the Wilhelmshaven Naval Arsenal before studying electrical engineering. As a qualified engineer, he worked in development and later as a research associate at the Oldenburg/East Frisia/Wilhelmshaven University of Applied Sciences. His areas of specialisation included electrical engineering, photovoltaics and computer science. His engagement with technical innovations and their practical applications thus extends far back into his career prior to politics. Source: Lower Saxony State Chancellery

Olaf Lies has been a member of the Lower Saxony State Parliament since 2008. In 2013, he took over the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour and Transport. From 2017 to 2022, he headed the Ministry for the Environment, Energy, Building and Climate Protection, before once again taking on responsibility for the economic portfolio in November 2022 as Minister for Economic Affairs, Transport, Building and Digitalisation. These roles combine experience in economic and industrial policy with the tasks of the energy transition, infrastructure modernisation and digital development. Since May 2025, he has headed the state government as Minister-President and is also Chairman of the SPD in Lower Saxony. Source: Lower Saxony State Parliament

The priorities of his government work include securing the future viability of Lower Saxony as a business location, harnessing its potential as an energy state, and investing in education and capable local authorities. In addition, there is the reduction of bureaucratic hurdles and the question of how politics can create reliable framework conditions for businesses and employees amid profound change. In doing so, Lies emphasises the connection between long-term future planning and concrete solutions for current challenges. Source: State Chancellery government report

As a speaker at our summit, Olaf Lies brings this combination of technical expertise, economic policy experience and political responsibility. His career offers a well-founded perspective on how innovation, economic development and social change can be shaped together. We are delighted to welcome him as a discussion partner who is familiar with these questions of the future from a variety of areas of responsibility.