Fireside Talk with Dr. Jochen Hagel
Interesting insights into working life at a leading engineering services provider
On April 13th, 2026, the graduate school “UpGrade Mobility” hosted an engaging fireside talk featuring Dr. Jochen Hagel, who spent his professional life shaping innovation across leading engineering service providers such as MBTech, AKKA, and EDAG. The event offered members of the graduate school a valuable opportunity to engage with an experienced industry expert in a relaxed and informal setting. Moderated by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Eric Sax, the scientific spokesperson of the graduate school, the discussion began with Dr. Hagel’s career path and explored his extensive experience in the engineering services sector. Drawing on his time at MBTech, AKKA, and EDAG, he provided insights into the evolution of automotive engineering, the dynamics of working across different organizations, and the challenges and opportunities encountered along the way. The conversation also addressed current developments in the automotive industry, particularly the transformation toward software-defined vehicles. Dr. Hagel shared his perspectives on how engineering service providers are adapting to these changes and highlighted the importance of flexibility, interdisciplinary collaboration, and continuous learning. In addition, participants gained a candid look into corporate life within engineering consultancies, including strategies for navigating complex projects and building a successful career in a fast-changing environment. The graduate school sincerely thanks Dr. Hagel for this inspiring and personal fireside talk and for sharing his experiences through numerous practical examples.