W.I.R.E. is an independent think tank that curates the shaping of the future at the interface between science and practice. The foundation for this is a systematic early recognition of relevant developments and their translation into long-term strategies and fields of action for private and public organisations and their decision makers.

As an interdisciplinary platform, W.I.R.E. has distinguished itself since its foundation in 2007 through its comprehensive understanding of the economy and society and uses this knowledge to develop long-term decision-making bases, ideas and new approaches to solutions. The thematic expertise of W.I.R.E. focuses on the wider consequences of the digital transformation and the linking of market and societal innovation in various sectors ranging from health and financial services to real estate and media.

In addition to the analysis and classification of new technologies, business models and social trends, W.I.R.E.'s competence includes a multidimensional information architecture as a basis for tailor-made multimedia publications, event formats, exhibitions and keynotes. In the tradition of alchemy, the think tank develops tangible concepts in the form of "real-life labs" or prototypes for the 21st century.

Since its founding, W.I.R.E. has operated as a collective comprised of a core team and associated specialists and fellows from business, academia, and design. This diverse expertise across industries and disciplines allows W.I.R.E., as a boutique firm, to cover a broad spectrum of projects, coupled with years of experience.

RICCARDO MERLUZZI

M.Sc. ETH Zürich Health Sciences & Technology

Lead Strategic Foresight & Business Development

Riccardo Merluzzi advises senior executives and boards - helping them filter the noise and focus on the developments that will actually reshape their markets and organisations. He tracks and interprets shifts at the intersection of business, politics, technology and society, translating them into strategic orientation and decisions. Trained at ETH Zürich, he combines interdisciplinary knowledge from health sciences and technology with seven years of cross-sectoral experience in strategy, business development and consulting. He supports business functions in translating strategic themes into practice - from AI-enabled workforce development to product innovation. He also co-leads Innovate Switzerland - a cross-sector initiative producing thought leadership on the digital transformation of the Swiss economy.

STEPHAN SIGRIST

Dr. sc. ETH Zürich

Founder and Head of W.I.R.E.

Founder and Head of W.I.R.E.

Dr Stephan Sigrist is an interdisciplinary strategist and founder of the Think Tank W.I.R.E., which systematically analyses new developments, trends and technologies at the interface between science and practice. With his team, he develops forward-looking solutions and advises decision-makers on shaping the future. In 2020, he launched the Future Society Association, which aims to reconnect business and society in order to sustainably curate the upcoming transformation towards a circular economy and data-based business models. He is the author of numerous books and studies, an international keynote speaker and curator of spatial knowledge projects in collaboration with design and art. He was named "Digital Shaper" by the Swiss business magazine Bilanz, a board member of the Swiss Allergy Centre AHA and a member of the innovation council of Innosuisse, the Swiss federal funding agency for science-based innovation. Currently, he is on the board of directors of a start-up for a digital mobility network and on various strategic committees. After studying biochemistry at ETH Zurich and completing a dissertation at the Collegium Helveticum, he worked in medical research at Roche, as a management consultant at Roland Berger and at the Gottlieb Duttweiler Institute. He grew up in central Switzerland, has lived in London and is today based in Zurich.

Photos of Stephan Sigrist available for download:

» Portrait of Stephan Sigrist

SIMONE ACHERMANN

MA European Culture UCL

Senior Researcher & Editor

Senior Researcher & Editor

Simone Achermann looks at developments and trends in society, business and cultural sciences. She is the author and editor of a variety of publications, including the ABSTRAKT book series, “Mind the Future – compendium for contemporary trends” and the Suhrkamp series “What counts”. Before taking up her role at W.I.R.E. she worked for several years as a communications consultant, focusing on the area of corporate social responsibility and writing texts and speeches for top managers in business and social fields. Simone Achermann studied cultural sciences at the University College London (UCL).

STEFAN PABST

MA in Philosophy and Physics, University Potsdam

Lead Special Projects & Public Sector

Lead Special Projects & Public Sector

The work of philosopher and physicist Stefan Pabst at W.I.R.E. centres around social and cultural transformations caused by technological progress as well as innovation management in the context of shifts in social values. As Senior Project Manager he identifies important long term developments across all industries. He designs and leads interdisciplinary workshops for W.I.R.E. and also works as a freelance copywriter focusing on art and product design. He was previously employed as the manager of an innovation network for the HPI School of Design Thinking and acted as a freelance innovation consultant. He holds a Master’s degree in philosophy and physics from the University of Potsdam.

NICO STEIGER

Lead W.I.R.E. London

Nico is an integrative strategist and self-described "rational techno-optimist" with a multifaceted international background, having led (startup) businesses, brands, design and technology studios and a diverse portfolio of cross-disciplinary initiatives.

His expertise spans the intersection of strategy consulting, technological transformation, commerce & marketing and digital culture - while embracing the white spaces in between.

Committed to driving impactful innovation, future-forward thinking and advancing sustainable technologies that create long-term value, Nico’s work explores the transformative potential of these forces for business, society and the human experience in today’s interconnected world.

Having held senior strategic leadership roles across diverse industries, Nico now works as an independent consultant, collaborator, speaker, and thought-leadership contributor, splitting his time between the UK, Switzerland and Germany.

At W.I.R.E., Nico leads the London studio and curates our global network of clients, partners and experts.

TINA MARIC

Dipl. Betriebswirtschafterin (HF)

Lead Operations & Events

Lead Operations & Events

Tina Maric is key hub for internal operations and ensures that all processes run efficiently and smoothly. With her many years of experience in the service industry and a sound understanding of operational processes, she supports the company particularly in the areas of event design, accounting and human resources.

TOTO

Head of Security

After basic training at the Nature Camp in Hungary, Toto earned his master's degree in territorial home defence with a focus on remote detection and defence against electric small vehicles in Zurich. His areas of expertise include the consistent deterrence of postal workers and the distancing of officials in general. In his free time, he enjoys evaluating the elasticity of sofas and beds, as well as nurturing the general relationships within his pack.

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