SMEs

Symbolbild für die wirtschaftlichen Rahmenbedingungen des Standorts Deutschland
Mittelstand, SMEs, Strategy, Sustainability, Sustainable Transformation, Transformation

Sustainable Transformation in Times of Uncertainty – How the German Mittelstand Secures Its Future Viability

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Many Mittelstand companies in Germany are currently under pressure from two sides. On the one hand, external developments require fundamental adjustments. High energy prices, supply chain disruptions, geopolitical tensions, regulatory requirements and a shortage of skilled labour are just a few examples. On the other hand, the dynamics and complexity of these combined changes increase […]

Symbolische Darstellung einer strategischen Ausrichtung auf Resilienz und Wettbewerbsfähigkeit im Jahr 2026
Resilience, SMEs, Sustainable Transformation

How Companies Can Strengthen Resilience and Competitiveness in an Uncertain Environment in 2026

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For German companies and the European economy as a whole, 2025 was a challenging year. The overall framework conditions were shaped by multiple pressures: a weak business climate, geopolitical tensions negatively affecting supply chains, and a regulatory environment in flux. This dynamic of change raises a central strategic question: how can companies remain competitive and

Mittelstand - Made in Germany (cropped)
Mittelstand, Resilience, SMEs, Strategy, Sustainability, Transformation

Business Model Under Pressure – How Mittelstand Companies Can Emerge Stronger From Uncertain Times

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The current business climate index published by Creditreform shows a mixed picture: Although the sentiment index for German SMEs improved slightly in autumn 2025, the situation remains tense. Many owner-ed Mittelstand companies report declining earnings, stagnant demand, and growing equity weaknesses. According to Creditreform, 17.6% of businesses stated that they had reduced staff – and

Greenhouse Gas Balance - STMG
Climate Protection, Environment, SMEs, Strategic Management, Strategy, Sustainability

The Greenhouse Gas Balance – Basis for Corporate Climate Protection

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A valid greenhouse gas balance is the basis of any effective climate protection strategy. All companies are requested to limit global warming by reducing their greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). Investments in climate protection are not only worthwhile for the environment and society, but also for companies. According to a study by the Potsdam Institute for

5 Schritte zur Nachhaltigkeitsstrategie - STMG
SMEs, Strategic Management, Strategy, Sustainability

5 Steps to an Effective Sustainability Strategy – How to Achieve Profitable Sustainability in Owner-led Companies

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For the vast majority of the German Mittelstand (owner-led companies including mostly SMEs, but also large firms), sustainability is very important. According to a Commerzbank study from 2021, more than 70 percent of owner-led companies surveyed believe that sustainable action and production are necessary to ensure the future viability of their company. Almost 70 percent

Wettbewerbsdruck
Business Performance, Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Strategic Management, Strategy

The Three Biggest Challenges for SMEs in 2023-2024

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The German economy is in recession. And German SMEs are right in the middle of it. In addition to short-term economic causes for the slump, there are also longer-term structural reasons. SMEs are therefore facing growing challenges in the short and medium term that require consistent strategic action. The German Institute for SME Research (Institut

Business Performance, Decision-making, Entrepreneurship, Leadership, SMEs, Strategic Management, Strategy

5 Common Strategic Planning Mistakes SMEs Should Avoid

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The experts have been debating the use of strategic planning for some time. Already in the mid-1990s, Canadian management professor Henry Mintzberg questioned the use of a formal strategic planning process in his book “The Rise and Fall of Strategic Planning”. And in view of fast, partly unforeseeable changes, there are good reasons to doubt

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