Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Friederike Welter (IfM Bonn/University of Siegen) talked about the challenges and opportunities facing Mittelstand enterprises at the German Metal Industry Association’s annual conference in Berlin in early May. She presented the latest IfM survey, which found that some Mittelstand Enterprises in the manufacturing sector are already exploring the security and defence sector as a new market. But they also recognise that the regulatory requirements are high.
In her keynote speech, the IfM President also explained why there has been little de-risking of China among Mittelstand enterprises up to now: "Companies are well aware of the geopolitical risks involved in trade with China and are also looking for competitive solutions. But there are a number of practical obstacles. These include, in addition to a lack of alternatives, above all the cost disadvantages that would be associated with moving away from China," explained Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Friederike Welter.
