Last Thursday, the second Idea Safari took place at the CISPA Helmholtz Center for Information Security—a full-day workshop inviting researchers to reflect on the potential of their work beyond academic publications. Inspired by the Stoic tradition, which emphasizes reflection, perspective shifts, and deliberate engagement with ideas, participants explored new ways of thinking about their research and its entrepreneurial potential.
At the beginning of the event, Alexander Schwager, Technical Consultant at CISPA, introduced the center’s various career tracks. It became clear that an academic career today can lead in many different directions. In addition to the traditional academic path, Schwager highlighted opportunities in entrepreneurship, industry, and the public sector. The goal was to show participants that research does not have to culminate solely in publications and academic positions, but can also serve as a starting point for products, startups, or collaborations with industry partners. Especially for younger participants—such as master’s and bachelor’s students—this overview provided valuable guidance on potential future paths in the research landscape.
Contrasting Mindsets
The program then continued with a session on the opportunities and challenges of entrepreneurial paths for researchers. This was not only about startups, but also about personal motivation, decision-making, and career paths beyond academia. Participants also explored which skills researchers already bring that are essential for entrepreneurial activities—from analytical thinking and problem-solving to the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly.
Schwager also highlighted the contrasting ways of thinking and working in research and entrepreneurship. For example:
Time Horizon
- Research: Long-term projects that often span years
- Entrepreneurship: Rapid development and short time-to-market
➔ Friction: Adapting to faster, iterative development cycles
Perfectionism vs. Pragmatism
- Research: Striving for comprehensive, flawless solutions
- Entrepreneurship: Accepting “good enough” for market entry
➔ Friction: Hesitation to launch products before they are “perfect”
Approach to Intellectual Property
- Research: Open exchange of knowledge
- Entrepreneurship: Strategic protection of intellectual property
➔ Friction: Balancing open innovation with competitive advantage
Walk Like a Stoic
A central element of the workshop was the “Stoic Walking Exercise”: In pairs, participants left the building and took a walk while discussing their ideas in turns. Inspired by the Stoic practice of reflecting in motion and consciously adopting new perspectives, the format created space for open conversations and fresh ways of thinking. Participants used this opportunity to share initial thoughts on possible applications of their research and to receive valuable feedback from their peers.
With formats like Idea Safari, CISPA demonstrates how research, curiosity, and entrepreneurial thinking can come together. The event not only provided new impulses for participants’ own work, but also offered initial orientation for those considering how to bring their research into practice beyond the paper.
