Sprechblase_Ich kann so nicht arbeiten

#CreatingBetterTogether - Now!

Bureaucracy, lengthy planning procedures, and lack of digitalisation are holding businesses back in Germany. Through a social media campaign, the DIHK highlights pressing problems at German business locations and showcases the economic policy reforms urgently needed to enhance Germany's competitiveness.

Slow infrastructure projects, unpredictable energy and cost burdens, or complex rules for the immigration of international skilled workers: Numerous companies face structural hurdles daily, delaying investments and hampering growth. The need for reform in economic and location policies is evident.

Through a social media campaign, the DIHK makes these challenges visible and at the same time points to concrete solutions. The themes address central issues related to German business locations and are promoted via LinkedIn and Instagram, complemented by partially printed postcards.

The conceptual basis is the "#CreatingBetterTogether - Now!" fundamental resolution, which the IHK organisation adopted at the end of 2023. In it, the DIHK presents ten concrete demands for forward-looking economic and location policies – including reducing bureaucracy, faster planning and approval processes, modern and digital administration, reliable framework conditions, and better prerequisites for the immigration of international skilled workers.

Self-Initiative for Greater Sustainability: Example of Essity

The more than 3 million companies in Germany drive innovation and progress. However, entrepreneurial dedication is often stifled by complex rules, contradictory regulations, and micro-management. Yet businesses often wish to and can solve problems on their own – already undertaking independent and successful initiatives in climate protection without political mandates. A vital takeaway: Especially in times of multiple crises, politics must rely more on domestic dedication and creativity.

An example of this is the Mainz-Kostheim plant of Essity GmbH. The hygiene paper manufacturer has quickly converted its on-site production to a hydrogen-based setup as part of a pilot project. A permanent shift could save 37,000 tonnes of CO₂ per year.

Video: Mit Eigeninitiative zu mehr Nachhaltigkeit

Ein Beispiel dafür ist das Mainz-Kostheimer Werk der Essity GmbH. Der Hygienepapierhersteller hat seine Produktion vor Ort innerhalb kürzester Zeit auf Wasserstoffbasis umgestellt und spart nun 37.000 Tonnen CO₂ im Jahr.

All articles of this campaign

Iksna-Postkarte-Kus

#CreatingBetterTogether - Acceleration

Entrepreneurs on the need for faster actions...

Iksna-Postkarte-Goldbeck

#CreatingBetterTogether - Infrastructure

Unternehmerinnen und Unternehmen zu Problemen...

Iksna-Postkarte-Risse-Stock

Fewer Forms and Regulations

Entrepreneurs addressing the need for relief...

Peter Adrian und Helena Melnikov stehen mit verschränkten Armen nebeneinander

#CreatingBetterTogether – now!

The economy in Germany stands at a turning point: High energy and raw material costs, lengthy approval processes, growing bureaucracy, and increasing global challenges jeopardise investments, innovations, and the appeal of Germany as a business location. At its plenary assembly in November...

Date of publication 16.11.2023
Stromspeicher mit Windrad und Solarpaneelen

On the Path to Affordable and Secure Energy

With electricity price reductions and new gas power plants, the Federal Government aims to ensure the affordability of energy and supply security in the future. But are these the right measures? The DIHK points to the additional costs associated with the construction of subsidized gas power...

Mann stehet in einer Fabrik vor dem Hologramm eines Roboterarms

More Room for Innovation

Germany's companies need more freedom for ideas to compete globally. To strengthen the economic location, measures are required to boost innovation power again. The DIHK identifies key approaches for this.

Präsident Ramaphosa und Kommissionspräsidentin von der Leyen an Rednerpulten vor Flaggen

CTIPs: A Useful Tool in EU Trade Policy?

While it is becoming increasingly difficult to achieve comprehensive trade agreements, the European Commission is relying on a new instrument for market development and supply chain diversification: Clean Trade and Investment Partnerships (CTIPs) aim to strengthen the EU's competitiveness...

Rahmedetalbrücke gesprengt

Time to Turbocharge Infrastructure

Whether it’s the motorway network, railways and waterways, transmission networks and hydrogen pipelines, mobile phone masts or broadband cables: Germany's infrastructure needs repairs, upgrades, or expansion in every area. The new special fund can help, but money doesn’t build bridges. The main...

Wegscheide Richtungswechsel Pfeile

New Government, New Opportunity

In economic policy in particular, the new federal government faces great challenges that must be tackled immediately. The German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) has summarised what is needed to quickly send a strong signal to companies in a 100-day programme. It lists the most important...

Team umgeben von Pflanzen

Relieving Companies from Reporting Obligations

As promised, the European Commission is working on streamlining various regulations for sustainability reporting. While many affected parties would prefer a bold removal of reporting obligations, this offers a glimmer of hope. Rules must now be revised or reduced promptly, and ceilings lowered.

Blick auf ein Gewerbegebiet im ländlichen Raum

Business Needs Space

The shortage of suitable commercial and industrial spaces increasingly serves as a barrier to business establishment and growth. National policy must address this issue: revising construction and planning laws for accelerated procedures, sensible land definitions, and mixed-use strategies.

Wasserstoffleitung mit Strommasten im Hintergrund

Successfully shaping the hydrogen market

Germany is making slow progress in establishing and expanding the hydrogen market - too slow for companies on their way to operational climate neutrality and too slow for international competition. To achieve the urgently needed faster pace, there is a need for a clear regulatory framework, a...

Balkendiagramme schweben über einem Laptop

More Growth Through Increased Investments

Since 2023, the investment intentions of companies in Germany have been negative overall—a clear warning sign. This trend not only reflects a lack of confidence in the location but also highlights an urgent need for more resources, particularly for transformation or infrastructure tasks.

Baustelle mit Kränen und Gerüst vor blauem Himmel

Skilled Workers Need Housing

Where affordable housing is lacking, companies face even greater challenges in recruiting and retaining employees. However, the situation is steadily worsening. Urgent countermeasures are needed: accelerated planning and approval processes, consistent digitalisation of administration, enhanced...

Steuerformular und Taschenrechner liegen auf einer Laptop-Tastatur, eine Hand schreibt, eine tippt

Germany Ranks First Internationally for Corporate Tax Burden

In Germany, tax conditions remain a clear disadvantage for businesses. Corporate profits are currently taxed at approximately 30%. Achieving an internationally competitive level – the EU average is around 21.1% – requires measures such as abolishing the solidarity surcharge and reforming exit...

Schuldenbremse

Solid Public Finances Create Trust and Stability

How the state should finance its core tasks in the future is a central question, particularly for businesses. Responsible budgetary policies build trust, ensure the stability of the euro, and provide scope for economic development. Conversely, resilient and capable public finances are only...

Abriss einer Brücke im Abendlicht

Real German-Speed Needed for Planning and Approval Procedures

More and more companies in this country are considering restricting their production due to high energy prices or even relocating abroad. Without counter-measures, we risk losing vital parts of our domestic industry. The German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) advocates using 10 to 15...

Contact

Kastner, Kristina_test

Kristina Kastner

Director Brand Management, Marketing and Campaigns

Vu, Trang_test

Trang Vu

Director Newsroom Manager | Press and Social Media

Yüksel, Yasmin_test

Yasmin Yüksel

Digital Media Manager