28.01.2026 – "From hardware to AI to operating systems: The majority of German companies consider themselves largely or completely dependent on technologies, innovations, or services from non-EU countries. This poses a challenge to digital sovereignty," says Dirk Binding, Head of Digital Economy, Infrastructure, and Regional Policy. The findings of the current DIHK Digitalisation Survey 2026, presented today in Berlin, highlight: "Against the backdrop of geopolitical shifts, we see an urgent need for action here. The potential exists, German businesses can digitalise, and we have the expertise. However, companies also need the freedom to develop.”

Key for achieving digital sovereignty, businesses highlight, are better framework conditions. According to the survey, these include reliable legal regulations, more open interfaces and standards, digital competencies, support for open-source solutions, and, importantly, a reduction in bureaucracy.

“Especially for artificial intelligence and data usage, we need a practical and consistent legal framework to enable companies to use AI technologies efficiently,” Binding adds. Indeed, 41% of companies already using AI solutions now rate its impact on productivity as high. “AI is increasingly becoming a competitive factor, and businesses have recognized this,” Digital Expert Binding states. “We must seize and expand this momentum now."

Yet, with nearly a third of businesses neither using AI nor planning to, significant potential remains. To unlock this, companies urgently need digital skills among employees to use technologies efficiently and securely. This directly impacts companies' digital maturity – a prerequisite for adopting AI. "Moreover, we require robust infrastructures such as fibre-optic and mobile networks, data centres, and lower energy costs – enabling us to compete internationally more effectively."

Cybersecurity remains a top priority for businesses. "The threat level remains very high. At the same time, larger companies are increasingly managing to protect themselves," says Binding. Most businesses have implemented basic technical measures, though incident response needs improvement. Regular drills are essential, such as restoring stored data from backups.

Overall, the DIHK survey shows: "The waters are choppy for businesses. Market conditions are tough, and innovation cycles in digital advancements are swiftly accelerating," says Binding. "However, companies are continuing to push forward with their digitalisation efforts."

To ensure even greater success in the future, businesses demand targeted political support. Beyond reliable legal frameworks for AI and data usage and reduced bureaucracy, crucial needs include a more digitalised administration, more efficient network expansions, and bolstered cybersecurity. “More independence and digital resilience are crucial for Germany’s future as a business hub. The potential exists.”

Nearly 5,000 businesses participated in the DIHK Digitalisation Survey towards the end of 2025. They represent sectors including industry, construction, trade, transport, logistics, hospitality and tourism, information and communication, finance and insurance, and other services.

The survey results can be downloaded here: DIHK Digitalisation Survey 2026 (PDF, 865 KB) (only available in German)