As a network of personal contacts for IT companies in North-Rhine Westphalia (NRW), networker NRW e. V. is a close cooperation partner and member of the eco Association. In 2022, networker NRW strengthened its commitment to the IT industry in NRW. In September 2022, the association was delighted to welcome Zoltan Verhoeven-Leskovar as its new CEO.

The new CEO’s passion for the IT industry and networking have empowered the team and provided new impetus for an even more effective representation of members’ interests. Under his leadership, there has been a further expansion of activities to highlight just how important the IT industry is for the economy and society.

A core feature of this development is the broadening of political work. networker NRW sees itself as an anchor for the IT industry and aims to focus even more on the concerns of its members at the political level. To achieve this, it maintains close contacts with the chambers of industry and commerce, business development agencies and other industry associations in NRW.

Thanks to these partnerships, important concerns can be communicated in a targeted manner as a lobby for expanded framework conditions for the IT sector. Another important focus of the work continues to be the topic of cybersecurity. In close collaboration with the NRW State Office of Criminal Investigation, networker NRW actively works to educate and protect its members and other companies against cyber attacks. It promotes the exchange of information and proven security practices to enhance the resilience of the IT industry against threats.

As networker NRW is very conscious of just how important personal contacts are, it has held formats exclusively as on-site events for and with its members. These events not only serve to network and to cultivate further contacts, but also to increase the awareness of members and to support their customer acquisition.

The long-standing and close partnership with eco – Association of the Internet Industry is of great importance to networker NRW. Through this collaboration, members gain free access to a broad network of players in the Internet industry, thereby strengthening their competitiveness. The promotion of young talent is a decisive investment for the future of the industry. For this reason, networker NRW is involved in the placement of applicants, interns and skilled workers as a contribution to securing the sustainability and growth of the IT industry.