Strategy is the Art
of Embracing
the Unknown

25A0 is unicode for black square and a research office at the intersection of strategy, aesthetics, and technology.

We conduct commissioned and self-initiated ventures and projects, partnering with clients that are driven by curiosity, vision, and impact.

Ventures

Strategic Foresight

Deutsche Telekom AG

Europes biggest telco wanted to identify emerging trends at the intersection of art and technology. We conduct seminars, a podcast, and a publication exploring weak signals in art and tech.

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Brand Strategy / Portfolio Integration

Carlsberg

Carlsberg acquired the German beer brand Wernesgrüner. We help to maintain the brand’s local authenticity while preventing brand cannibalization within the existing portfolio.

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Brand Strategy / Organizational Development

Schmitt + Sohn

Schmitt + Sohn, a family owned enterprise in its 6th generation, needs to update its brand. We develop the strategic framework and install a new department.

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Strategic Narrative / Award Logic

Polyton

POLYTON is a new platform and music award to highlight the social impact of pop music. We create the strategic narrative and the participatory award mechanism.

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Systemic Change

European Commission

The “Agents of Transformation” project bridges the gap between the next generation in arts and design and European policy making. We connect students with high-level decision-makers in politics and industry.

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Brand Strategy

Volkswagen Group

The biggest automaker in the world converges the separate software divisions from its brand portfolio in a new companywide department. We develop the strategic framework with a focus on employer branding.

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Employer Branding Strategy

Schneider Electric

Schneider Electric reshapes its employer value proposition in the DACH region. We provide the strategic direction and create alignment across the board.

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Organizational Transformation

Reeperbahn Festival

The leading international music festival evolves from an annual event series to a holistic music platform. We develop and implement the strategic framework for this transformation.

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Growth Strategy

Krautreporter

A young online publisher with an industry-leading business model faced challenges in user acquisition and retention. We developed a purpose-driven loyalty strategy that led to sustainable growth.

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Brand Strategy

TD Reply

A marketing innovation consultancy transforms its business model and service portfolio. We develop a purpose-driven new brand identity and restructure their service offerings.

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Journal

Interface Critique

Interface Critique is an academic platform, that facilitates trans-disciplinary dialogues about human-computer interaction.

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Partners

 

If you want to know more or request a case study, please get in touch:

hello@25a0.com

Cases

European Commission

High-level roundtable with European Commissioner Mariya Gabriel
Expert consultation with EY, Joint Research Council and other stakeholders at the CIVA in Brussels
Universities involved

Background

The European Commission launched the New European Bauhaus Program in 2021, aimed to engage culture and arts in shaping a sustainable, inclusive, and pluralistic society. Together with ELIA and the Berlin University of the Arts, we developed the Agents of Transformation Platform to bridge the gap between young creatives and decision-makers in politics and industry, facilitating meaningful dialogue on future societal challenges. The project incorporated insights from over 60 art universities across Europe and involved high-level experts in roundtable discussions and public events.

Approach

The Agents of Transformation (AOT) platform was designed to operate on an annual cycle, divided into various episodes. These episodes included student engagement, expert consultations, public dialogues, and numerous follow-up activities. The approach was multi-faceted:

Student Engagement
AOT gathered students from numerous art universities across Europe and beyond to collect their visions and expectations concerning the interplay between sustainability, inclusion, and aesthetics. This involved workshops, surveys, and collaborative projects.

Expert Consultation
Relevant topic clusters and key challenges identified during the student engagement phase were discussed with suitable experts from politics and industry. This phase included roundtable discussions and brainstorming sessions.

Public Dialogue
AOT facilitated public dialogues and roundtables where students could present their ideas directly to high-level decision-makers, including commissioners and executives. These events were designed to foster open communication and collaboration.

Solutions

Collaborative Workshops and Surveys
By engaging students from over 60 art universities, AOT collected a diverse range of perspectives and ideas, fostering a rich intergenerational dialogue on sustainability, aesthetics, and inclusion.

Roundtable Discussions with Experts
High-level experts, including commissioners and industry executives, participated in roundtable discussions, providing valuable insights and feedback on student proposals.

Public Events and Dialogues
Organized high-profile public events where students presented their visions to decision-makers, ensuring that the voices of the next generation were heard at the highest levels of policy and industry.

Conclusion

The Agents of Transformation platform successfully connected young creatives with high-level experts and decision-makers, fostering a collaborative environment for discussing and addressing future societal challenges. The involvement of over 60 art universities and the participation of commissioners and industry executives underscored the platform’s reach and impact. As a result, AOT has become a significant force in promoting sustainable, inclusive, and pluralistic societal transformation through the arts, setting a precedent for future initiatives under the New European Bauhaus Initiative of the European Commission.