RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ACTION | SME POLICY | SCENARIOS
The Future of Industrial SMEs in Germany in 2030 Utilise boosters! Strengthen forces! Enable the future!
16 October 2024 Introduction In autumn 2024, industrial SMEs and family businesses in Germany will be under pressure - in some cases existential pressure. The location has been showing economic and structural weaknesses (for some time now) and the global and European environment is becoming increasingly confusing. Markets are volatile, supply chains and value creation networks are at risk of breaking. Companies are challenged by the double transformation. At the same time, social unrest and political polarisation are growing in Germany, Europe and worldwide. With various scenarios for the future of industrial SMEs in Germany in 2030, the BDI wants to encourage both politicians and companies to navigate well-founded despite the current complex and confusing times. It should be noted here: ▪
Scenarios make it possible to think through future developments, underpin planning and identify design options. The idea is not to predict a future as accurately as possible. Rather, the aim is to identify different "futures" using a methodical approach, to open up areas of possibility, to derive recommendations for action and thus to "get ahead of the wave" politically and entrepreneurially.
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A working definition of "industrial SME" applies here that deliberately goes beyond the "classic" view of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in terms of qualitative characteristics and quantitative criteria.
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In view of foreseeable political developments and corporate planning and investment cycles, the 2030 time horizon is a suitable perspective.
Fabian Wehnert | SMEs and Family Businesses | T: +49 30 2028-1470 | f.wehnert@bdi.eu | www.bdi.eu