The SME sector, with its diversity of small, medium, and large, predominantly owner-managed businesses, forms a vital pillar of the German economy. Its innovative strength, adaptability, and entrepreneurial commitment make many of these companies successful – often far beyond Germany’s borders. Some are even considered hidden champions, shaping their industries worldwide.

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Interview Unternehmensentwicklung

"The uncertainties are increasing"

Hans-Werner Lindgens was Chairman of the DIHK SME Committee until the end of March 2025. He looks to the future with concern and is certain that the economy will change permanently. What is needed, he says, is a new course setting, according to the passionate sailor.

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

• Energy security and energy prices,
• Framework conditions for the transformation to climate neutrality,
• Securing employment and skilled labour,
• Digitalisation and innovation promotion,
• Tax and levy burdens,
• Financing conditions for medium-sized enterprises.

These topics are explored in committee meetings with political decision-makers, academics, and guests from business and associations.

On 12 and 13 November 2025, the DIHK SME Committee met in Brussels – for the first time in this legislative period jointly with the SME committees of BDI and BDA. The meeting took place during a phase of significant European policy decisions directly affecting SMEs.

Discussions included:

• The new ‘Small-Mid-Caps’ category as a potential instrument for support and relief,
• Initiatives to reduce bureaucracy,
• Measures to strengthen the resilience of SMEs.

During internal exchanges, Katja Drinhausen (Mercator Institute for China Studies) examined the opportunities and risks of a China strategy for SMEs. Dr Philipp Lausberg (European Policy Centre) presented political proposals aimed at easing the burden on medium-sized enterprises.

In the joint session, contributions were made by:

• Dr Bernd Schulte, State Secretary, North Rhine-Westphalia
• Markus Ferber, MEP
• Till Spannagel, Permanent Representation of Germany to the EU
• Hubert Gambs, European Commission
• Sandra Parthie, German Economic Institute Cologne

They discussed location conditions, energy issues, digitalisation, and raw material security.

The committees’ conclusion is clear:

Less bureaucracy, stable competitive conditions, and greater resilience through raw material security and digitalisation are crucial for the future of SMEs.

The next joint meeting will take place on 5 and 6 March 2026.

The DIHK SME Committee consists of the following members: