In a world characterized by unstoppable change, the task of the Ministry for Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection, and Energy of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) is to ensure economic success during the sustainable and digital transformation in order to enable a climate-just future. As Head of Department for "Economics and Statistics," Dirk Schlotböller contributes to the foundations of economic policy in NRW, analyzes macroeconomic trends, and monitors the stability of financial markets. In doing so, he plays a role in shaping and implementing NRW’s economic development.

After completing his studies at the School of Business & Economics at the University of Münster, where he graduated as a Diplom-Volkswirt (graduate economist), Dirk Schlotböller remained with the faculty as a research associate at the Center for Applied Economic Research (CAWM). During his doctoral studies, he also lectured in economics at the Rhineland-Westphalian Cooperative Academy before moving to the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK). Since 2018, Dirk Schlotböller has been working as a Head of Division at the Ministry for Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection, and Energy of NRW.

Dear Mr. Schlotböller, what was the most important lesson you learned during your time at the University of Münster?

Even the smartest ideas are of little use if you can't communicate them. Being able to communicate scientific arguments in a way that is understandable to the general public is essential to an academic education that prepares you for real life.

To what extent did your studies and doctorate prepare you for your current position?

Economic statements should be both theoretically sound and empirically supported. That includes understanding and questioning numbers. I acquired the tools for this during my time at the School of Business and Economics. In my concentration in economic policy, I also learned that government intervention should follow objective criteria—not gut feelings. In my studies, I felt the underlying ethics were somewhat underrepresented. For example, that successful companies, in the spirit of responsibility ethics, often generate more societal value than some moralist ethicists.

What does working at the Ministry actually look like? How closely do scientists and politicians collaborate on projects?

Employees of a ministry must ensure that the key technical arguments are presented in a concise and understandable way. However, decisions are made by political leaders—they’re the ones who are ultimately accountable. A good understanding of political processes helps staff members, but it should not lead to preemptive obedience that causes important arguments to be left out.

During your time at the Ministry for Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Action, and Energy of NRW, you’ve worked with different ministers. Does a change like that affect your work?

What I find most remarkable is a common trait among all the politicians I've worked with: they all want to drive the economic development of the region forward and invest a lot of time and energy to do so. You can always debate the methods, but that commitment should be acknowledged. I find that more important than the differences that naturally exist between individuals. Just as voters are often disappointed by politics, politicians are often frustrated by administration—everyone has their reasons. During my studies, I found “Political Economy” to be a particularly insightful focus: it helps you understand why politics, administration, voters, or lobbyists act in ways that only seem irrational. This understanding helps prevent disappointment.

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