More than 150 years ago, this economic politician from Württemberg who promoted industrialization famously demanded, “You must rely on innovations and people.” Posthumously considered the father of industrial education in Württemberg, he founded trade schools throughout the state — including the weaving schools in Blaubeuren (1852) and Reutlingen (1855). Having staunchly advocated for a double-sided education — what we now refer to as dual education — von Steinbeis was unique in his acknowledgment that only the combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills could effectively train the industrial workers of the future.