The concept of the Senate is more familiar to most people from ancient Rome. The body consisted of scholars and people of various opinions recognised in the Roman Empire and influenced Roman politics in an advisory role. This basic idea also gave rise to the Senate of Economy in Germany.

The Senate of the Economy comprises personalities from the economy, science and society. It has set itself the goal of including sustainable economic activity and environmental protection in the social market economy. The common good is in the foreground and not just particular interests.

The Senate of Economy welcomed Heidkötter as a new member. The managing director sees the appointment as an opportunity and a responsibility: "On the one hand, I am very happy to contribute my experience to the committee. On the other hand, together with the other members of the Senate, I also see myself as responsible for promoting the balance between entrepreneurial interests and the common good", he explains.

Heidkötter sees the ethical principles of the Senate as indispensable not only for his actions but also for the companies involved: "Environmental protection and sustainability do not only play a decisive role in the Senate of Economy. At NETZSCH, too, we are committed to these values in our daily work and are constantly pushing them forward," he explains.

In addition to its own imposed principles, the Senate of the Economy is also committed to the goals of the United Nations with all its sub-organisations, the World Trade Point Federation, the Global Compact, and the Code of Ethics of the Ethics Association of German Business (EVW).