1184 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
Framework conditions supporting SMEs | 2026 The importance of social infrastructure for securing labour and skilled workers for small and medium-sized enterprises
The shortage of labour and skilled workers is one of the key challenges for the German economy. In addition to immigration, increasing the weekly working hours of women is seen as another way of alleviating the shortage of labour and skilled workers.
External publication | 2026 In the eye of the storm: What makes entrepreneurs resilient?
Crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic confront companies with major challenges. If companies and especially entrepreneurs are not sufficiently resilient, this may have to give up.
External publication | 2026 Research Note: Succession dynamics are changing – New estimates from IfM Bonn on business succession in Germany
The IfM Bonn periodically estimates the number of expected business transfers since 1995.
Chartbooks | 2025 Future Panel Mittelstand 2025: Labour shortage and digital transformation continue to challenge SMEs
or the Future Panel Mittelstand 2025, researchers at IFM Bonn are once again surveyed entrepreneurs about the challenges of the future.
IfM-Materialien | 2025 Regulatory Framework Conditions for a Future-Oriented Mittelstand Policy
The framework conditions for the green transition should allow for individual, flexible solutions. In order not to place an excessive burden on Mittelstand enterprises, restrictive commands, prohibitions and reporting requirements should be avoided as far as possible.
External publication | 2025 Recalibrating Entrepreneurship Research: Decolonizing and Embracing the Pluralism of Entrepreneurial Activity
Entrepreneurship research has long focused on exceptional, high-growth, venture-funded firms while overlooking the everyday and modest ventures that make up most entrepreneurial activity.
