"Germany needs an innovation-friendly climate which sees change as an opportunity and not a threat. This calls for a fundamental shift of attitude in our society." With these words the Chairman of the Executive Board of ThyssenKrupp AG, Prof. Dr. Ekkehard D. Schulz today launched an initiative called "Discovering future technology" under which ThyssenKrupp will be presenting a wide-ranging information and dialogue program in the second half of 2004.

At the same time ThyssenKrupp AG is starting a new phase of its image campaign. The campaign, which has been running since 2001, shows how complex technical themes can be communicated in an imaginative and attractive way to the general public. The three new motifs, appearing on television and in national daily newspapers in Germany from May 17, again feature children of ThyssenKrupp employees explaining the benefits of advanced technology in their own way.

From mid-June the campaign will be supplemented by multi-page advertorials in numerous major daily newspapers. Various areas of the media will address different aspects of the theme "Future technology". Key topics will include technology and education, the economic importance of innovations and the role of North Rhine-Westphalia as a center of innovation in the global arena.

A highlight of the initiative is an "ideas park" to be staged outside the Arena AufSchalke in Gelsenkirchen, Germany from September 2 to 4, 2004. Alongside ThyssenKrupp, numerous partners from industry, science, education and the media will be present. The theme of "future technology" will therefore be explored from a variety of different angles. The spectrum of events includes an education forum, a talk show with well-known presenters and guests, entertaining technology games for all the family as well as fascinating exhibits from the world of technology which will be personally presented by their makers and users.

With the "Discovering future technology" initiative, ThyssenKrupp wishes to provide a platform on which technology- and innovation-oriented people and institutions from various areas of society can meet and integrate. As a contribution to the "Year of Technology 2004", the initiative is aimed at underlining the importance of innovations for Germany`s future as a business location and promoting a constructive public debate on the theme of technology and future. "The Year of Technology offers a good opportunity to generate increased interest in technology and highlight its value and potential. As a major technology group, ThyssenKrupp will be leading the way with a wide range of activities," said Prof. Dr. Ekkehard D. Schulz.

Contact:

Dr. Jürgen Claassen
Corporate Communications, Strategy, and Executive Affairs
Tel. +49 211 824-36001
Fax +49 211 824-36005
E-mail: press@thyssenkrupp.com
www.thyssenkrupp.com