SMEs (in) the future
In this research area, scientists at the IfM Bonn are investigating how sectors, company forms and the organization of companies are changing and how SMEs can implement sustainable value creation. This also includes the role and challenges of future technologies such as artificial intelligence and the associated skills.
7 Results
The future of Mittelstand enterprises | 2026 Gender-specific analysis of venture capital financing
A recent study by IfM Bonn, in line with international research, has shown that young companies led by women in Germany are less likely to use venture capital (VC) financing than young companies led by men, especially when they are managed by a team.
The future of Mittelstand enterprises | 2026 Requirements and opportunities for a trust-based bureaucracy
In view of the ever-increasing bureaucratic burden, companies often complain about a high density of regulations, complicated procedures, and a lack of trust on the part of regulators in their legal compliance and entrepreneurial competence.
The future of Mittelstand enterprises | 2026 How can Mittelstand enterprises benefit from rising defence investments?
Due to increasing geopolitical unrest, the German government and the EU have decided to significantly increase defence spending. Among other things, around EUR 500 billion (federal government) and EUR 800 billion (EU) in additional loans are to be taken out for defence investments in the coming years
The future of Mittelstand enterprises | 2025 How do inventions from universities find their way into SMEs?
Innovations drive structural change, generate jobs, and ensure that regions can emerge stronger from crises. SMEs, in particular, regard inventions developed within the framework of cooperations with universities as a promising source of innovation.
The future of Mittelstand enterprises | 2025 Opportunities of Artificial Intelligence for safeguarding the provision of skilled employees in Mittelstand enterprises
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is expected to have a significant impact on the labour market due to its wide range of economic applications. AI is widely recognised as having the potential to both replace workers and skilled employees and create new jobs and work fields.
The future of Mittelstand enterprises | 2024 Speeding up approval procedures
Many small and medium-sized businesses experience a dual transformation that involves significant investments in modernization and expansion. However, realizing these changes often requires going through lengthy and complex planning and approval processes, despite the promise of legal certainty.
The future of Mittelstand enterprises | 2024 Development of a foresight process for "SMEs"
The current multiple and, in some cases, unexpectedly occurring crises pose significant challenges for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and SME policies. The task of applied SME research is to identify new challenges for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) at an early stage, enabling policymakers to make proactive decisions in support of the SME sector.