Sustainability

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

Compliance mit Bankenregulierung für ESG-Risikomanagement
Banking Regulation, ESG & Sustainable Finance, Sustainable Transformation

Managing ESG Risks in Line with Supervisory Expectations – Guidance for Regional Financial Institutions

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Since the term ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) gained prominence in the early 2000s, ESG-related issues have become increasingly relevant for the European financial sector. The year 2026 marks another regulatory milestone: ESG risks are to be embedded even more systematically into banks’ overall governance and strategic orientation. With the European Banking Authority (EBA) Guidelines on

Industrial Transformation in Germany
Mittelstand, Strategy, Sustainability, Transformation

Rethinking Industrial Transformation: Strategic Options for Companies

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Industrial transformation in Germany stands at a crossroads. Many long-successful sectors are now under growing pressure to develop new business models and achieve sustainable transformation. To keep Germany’s industrial base competitive, business and government must jointly develop strategic solutions that combine effective regulatory frameworks at federal and state level with dynamic regional ecosystems — in

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

Net Zero Strategies - STMG
Climate Protection, Environment, Strategic Management, Strategy, Sustainability

Net Zero – How Companies Can Slow Down Global Warming With Net-Zero Emissions

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Humanity is lagging behind its goals to limit global warming. Net Zero offers the opportunity to still achieve these goals. Companies play a central role in this. In June 2024, UN Secretary-General António Guterres reminded the global community in urgent words to drastically reduce greenhouse-gas emissions. Only if all countries take a net-zero path can

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

Green IT - STMG
Digitalization, Entrepreneurship, Investment, Strategic Management, Strategy, Sustainability, Technology

Green IT – Sustainable Technology for the Future of Your Company

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Digital technologies can contribute significantly to making the German economy more ecologically sustainable. According to a study by the German IT industry association Bitkom, accelerated digitization across sectors can lead to a significant reduction in CO2 emissions. The expected reduction is higher than the estimated CO2 emissions of the digital technologies themselves, thus Bitkom expects

Sustainable Marketing - STMG
Corporate Culture, Marketing, Strategic Management, Strategy, Sustainability

Sustainable Marketing – Competitive Advantages and Best Practices

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The marketing managers of most companies are convinced of the benefits of sustainable marketing. At least, that is the impression given by the results of a 2022 survey: According to the survey, around 90% of respondents from several EU countries believe that it is worthwhile to invest in sustainability. And 5% of German companies plan

Employee Engagement - STMG
Business Performance, Corporate Culture, Environment, Human Resources, Leadership, Strategic Management, Sustainability

Corporate Sustainability – Involving Employees More

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Two thirds of German managers believe that sustainability makes economic sense, according to a Capgemini study. At the same time, according to a study by Ipsos and Bertelsmann Stiftung, only slightly less than half of employees (49%) feel that sustainability is important in their companies. This suggests two things: firstly, that the high importance of

Sustainable Corporate Management - STMG
Business Performance, Corporate Culture, Environment, Human Resources, Risk Management, Strategic Foresight, Strategic Management, Strategy, Sustainability

Fit for the Future through Sustainable Corporate Management

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Ever more companies are committed to sustainability and are pursuing ambitious sustainability goals. Many even have a sustainability strategy. There is, however, often a clear gap between ambitious goals and their implementation. That is, because in addition to a good sustainability strategy, sustainable corporate management is also required to successfully implement the strategy. That sounds

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

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