Export boom, hidden champions, and engineering excellence – SMEs are the backbone of the German economy. However, as well as they may be doing at the moment, the list of challenges is equally long. Unresolved succession issues, a talent shortage, and a chronic digitalization deficit make it clear – SMEs have an innovation problem.
On the other hand, young startups in particular are demonstrating the opportunities that digitalization can offer the "old economy" to break new ground. While the potential for cross-fertilization is great, the gap between the old and new worlds is also wide. Tradition, responsibility, and sustainability, critics say, simply have no place in the startup world for hype, a quick knockout, or a swift exit.
However, a few examples already demonstrate the potential that can be harnessed when SMEs and startups are considered together: innovation impetus for the "old economy," resources and funding for startups, and the revitalization of our regions. Successful collaborations within the collective and Germany's capacity for innovation would be secured.
But how can we successfully marry both worlds? What do the partners really need from each other? What do policymakers and society need to do to achieve this? And can startups even become the "next generation of SMEs"?
Speakers:
– Thomas Sattelberger (former Dax board member)
– Thorsten Meier (CEO BOGE Group)
– Dr. Annette Leonhard-MacDonald (Founder of Leonhard-MacDonald Ventures)
– Johannes Bischof (President of Konica Minolta Business Solutions Deutschland GmbH)
– Dr. Florian Nielsen (Innovations & Startup Relations at Miele)
– Jeff Burton (Founder Electronic Arts, Investor)
Moderator: Christopher Meyer-Mölleringhof (innovation expert)
