In an economic landscape that calls for growth-and innovation-friendly framework conditions, SMEs face unique challenges. While many SMEs expand their footprint internationally, domestic disadvantages like excessive bureaucracy and higher relative costs often strain these enterprises. The major challenges—ranging from geopolitical tensions to the energy transition—have intensified the need for broader entrepreneurial freedoms and technology-open economic policies.

Evidence from the IHK organisation reaffirms that businesses prefer clear, market-oriented framework conditions over selective, bureaucratic (funding) measures. This insight also resonates strongly in the context of corporate succession planning, which is increasingly difficult.