Initial situation/policy problem
In order to identify forward-looking topics relevant to SMEs in terms of operative practices and economic policy, the IfM Bonn launched the Future Panel for Mittelstand enterprises in 2014. Since the last expert survey in 2020, German Mittelstand companies have been facing numerous new challenges and opportunities in a dynamic economic environment. In order to be able to tailor economic policies to the needs of Mittelstand enterprises, it is important to identify relevant topics at an early stage.
Research goals/approach
The aim of the Future Panel Mittelstand is to uncover the relevant challenges Mittelstand companies face and to identify new areas of action for economic policy stakeholders. This is done in two steps. In the first step, the IfM Bonn's foresight tool is used to identify new topics. This tool draws on news data and press releases from business associations relevant to the Mittelstand. These are analysed using artificial intelligence methods. The use of the foresight tool ensures that a broad base of information sources is taken into account for the identification of topics relevant to Mittelstand firms. In the second step, the identified topics are evaluated with the help of a quantitative survey of experts from academia, economic policy, and the business community to determine the significance and validity of the fields of action.
