Innovation and Digitisation: Drivers for Growth and Competitiveness

Innovation, digitisation and efficient infrastructure are decisive drivers for growth, competitiveness and economic resilience today. The German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) pools experiences from industry, commerce and services — revealing how Germany can future-proof its economy with suitable digital and innovation policies. Whether it's broadband expansion and data infrastructure, the use of new technologies such as artificial intelligence and 3D printing, the promotion of research and development or reducing bureaucracy for investments: the perspectives of companies are brought into the political debate. This ensures that digitisation and innovation not only act as tools for efficiency enhancement but also provide genuine growth drivers and impulses for economic and competitive strength.

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23 results

Impulse Innovation

10 Points for a Future-Oriented Innovation Policy

The German economy faces major challenges that require innovative solutions. These demand a better environment for new products, services, and technologies. In an impulse paper from March 2024, the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) offers proposals for shaping such an environment.

Innovation

Committee for Industry and Research

The DIHK Committee for Industry and Research addresses central future topics for Germany's innovation and industrial location – ranging from European research policy to industrial transformation.

Mann stehet in einer Fabrik vor dem Hologramm eines Roboterarms

Im Fokus Innovation

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.

Im Fokus Innovation

New EU Strategy for Boosting Start-Up Dynamics

Europe's start-ups are the future. Their ideas push entire industries forward. However, legal and financial hurdles often stand in the way of growth. With a new package of measures, the EU aims to create better conditions to specifically promote innovation and competitiveness. Key aspects...

Wissenschaftlerin blickt in ein Mikroskop

Positionierung Innovation

Strategic Advancement of EU Research Funding

What the economy expects from the 10th EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP10) has been summarized by the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) in a position paper mid-2025. The focus is on the strategic advancement of the programme along the points that are...

21.07.2025

Im Fokus Innovation

High-Tech Agenda Germany: A new innovation engine for the business location?

The new High-Tech Agenda Germany is designed to accelerate innovation dynamics and position Germany as the leading hub for new technologies. Its success will largely depend on how swiftly and effectively the planned measures are implemented, and how closely businesses are involved to ensure the...

Innovation

Committee for Information and Communication Technology

The DIHK ICT Committee brings together expertise from the digital economy, focusing on critical areas such as fibre networks, mobile technology advancements, IT security, and data economy.

Im Fokus Innovation

From Construction Sites to Cold Stores: AI in Action

Artificial Intelligence is indispensable in the daily business routines. The German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) showcases innovative use-cases and highlights the conditions needed for comprehensive and innovative deployment of AI.

Stellungnahme Innovation

DIHK assesses KRITIS overarching law: Enhancing the security and resilience of critical infrastructures

The German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) comments on the draft bill by the Federal Ministry of the Interior for the KRITIS overarching law. The goal is to improve physical security and resilience of critical facilities.

04.09.2025

Stellungnahme Innovation

DIHK on NIS2 Implementation: Greater Clarity, Less Bureaucracy, Strong Cybersecurity Frameworks

The NIS2 Implementation Act transposes the EU Directive into national law, expanding obligations for IT security, reporting requirements, and risk management for companies – including in supply chains. The German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) evaluates opportunities and risks...

30.09.2025

Stellungnahme Innovation

German Chamber of Commerce and Industry Statement on the Proposed European Innovation Act

The German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) compiles the priorities of German businesses regarding the European Innovation Act: fewer barriers to innovation, easier access to funding, and a procurement system supportive of innovation. The goal is to bring innovations to market and scale...

02.10.2025

Stellungnahme Innovation

DIHK calls for innovation-friendly implementation of the EU AI Act

The German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) supports the objectives of the draft legislation for implementing the AI Act but warns of bureaucratic hurdles. Key demands: clear responsibilities and practical agency coordination.

10.10.2025

Stellungnahme Innovation

DIHK position paper on the planned simplification package for the digital sector

The EU plans a simplification package for the digital sector with the Digital Omnibus. The DIHK supports this initiative and calls for clear, coherent rules that enable innovation and reduce bureaucracy.

14.10.2025

Stellungnahme Innovation

DIHK evaluates key points for copper-glass migration

Although the expansion of fiber optic networks is still incomplete in many areas, the complete switch from old copper networks to modern fiber optics is being conceptually prepared. The BMDS has presented key points for the migration process. The DIHK supports the endeavor, but emphasizes...

16.11.2025