The Mittelstand, with its diverse range of small, medium, and large primarily owner-managed enterprises, forms the backbone of the German economy. Its innovative strength, adaptability, and entrepreneurial spirit make many of these businesses successful—often far beyond Germany's borders. Not a few are considered Hidden Champions that shape their industries worldwide.

The DIHK SME Committee reflects this broad spectrum. Entrepreneurs from industry, commerce, and services as well as from all regions of Germany bring their experiences and expectations to economic policy discussions. A central concern is the reduction of unnecessary bureaucracy, which increasingly burdens SMEs. Additionally, the committee regularly discusses topics such as:

• Energy security and energy prices,
• Conditions for the transformation to climate neutrality,
• Securing employment and skilled labour,
• Digitalisation and innovation promotion,
• Taxation and levies,
• Financing conditions for medium-sized enterprises.

These topics are deepened during committee meetings with political decision-makers, scientists, and guests from business and associations.

The DIHK SME Committee discusses competitiveness, bureaucracy reduction, and security

On 5 and 6 March 2026, the DIHK SME Committee convened in Berlin. The focus of the meeting was the economic situation of SMEs, the reduction of bureaucratic burdens, and the effects of geopolitical and security policy developments on companies. 

Discussions included:

• Economic policy framework conditions for more growth and investments,
• Progress and challenges in reducing bureaucracy,
• The involvement of SMEs in the security and defence sector.

At the start, committee members exchanged views with Gitta Connemann, Parliamentary State Secretary and Federal Government Commissioner for SMEs, about the current challenges of SMEs and necessary reliefs. Additionally, the committee's working groups reported on their focal points. 

During the course of the meeting, presentations were made by:

• Dr Guido Steinberg, Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP),
• Yannick Vogel, Nationaler Normenkontrollrat,
• Prof Dr Stefan Kolev, Ludwig Erhard Forum for Economy and Society,
• Bernhard Kluttig, Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy.

The focus was on the consequences of the situation in the Middle East for supply chains and raw material availability, the modernisation of administrative procedures, economic policy perspectives for more growth, and the opportunities for SMEs in the security and defence sector. 

The next DIHK SME Committee meeting will take place on 12 and 13 November 2026 in Berlin. 

The DIHK SME Committee members include: