My son, Gabe, and I met in Berlin earlier this month to spend a week in the city. It was a powerful trip in no small part because of the transformational DNA in the core of the city, all pertinent to my work on Grand Challenges.
Berlin’s transformation over the past several decades is nothing short of extraordinary. From a divided city at the heart of Cold War tensions to a global hub of creativity, technology, and culture, Berlin has continually reinvented itself, demonstrating its resilience and ability to mount a real renewal.
In 1989, the fall of the Berlin Wall marked not only the end of physical and ideological division but also the beginning of an era of profound change. The reunification of East and West Berlin presented immense challenges, including economic integration, infrastructure redevelopment, and the healing of deep social divides. Yet, the city seized the opportunity to rebuild and redefine itself, becoming a symbol of unity and progress.
One of Berlin’s most remarkable transformations lies in its urban landscape. In the 1990s, abandoned spaces left in the wake of the Wall’s removal were reclaimed as venues for art, music, and innovation. The neighborhoods of Kreuzberg, Neukölln, and Friedrichshain became hubs for emerging artists and creatives, establishing Berlin as a cultural epicenter. The city’s graffiti-lined streets and repurposed industrial buildings reflect its gritty yet vibrant character.
Economically, Berlin evolved from a struggling post-reunification city to a thriving tech and startup hub. Its affordability, international appeal, and creative energy attracted a wave of entrepreneurs and innovators. Today, Berlin is home to countless tech companies, coworking spaces, and accelerator programs, contributing to Germany’s standing as Europe’s largest economy.
If you watch the news, you know it’s a center of political activity to this day. Last weekend, there were 30,000 demonstrating against the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, a far-right political party known for its nationalist, anti-immigration, and Eurosceptic stance, criticized for fostering divisive rhetoric. The world will watch Berlin as well as Germany in the months and years ahead.
Nonetheless, my son and I had a wonderful time and enjoyed the city while we were there.
“Berlin is all about volatility. Its identity is based not on stability but on change.”
– Rory MacLean
