MISSION of the working group
- The “Digitalization of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises” working group aims to address the specific issues of digitalization that arise in small and medium-sized enterprises and to adapt general issues to the particular characteristics of small and medium-sized enterprises.
- This will result in information and events tailored to SMEs that can provide them with the necessary guidance.
- In particular, successful examples and comprehensive guidance should motivate more SMEs to take a structured approach to digitalization and thus secure or expand their competitiveness.
- Another key task is to make it clear that it will no longer be possible to avoid digitalization and digital transformation. Any reservations about the topic and new technologies should be dispelled.
- To this end, the aim is to promote transfer and exchange between public institutions, universities, research facilities of large companies, and the experimental spirit of start-ups, together with small and medium-sized enterprises and best practices for cooperation.
MOTIVATION (WHY) of the working group – Why do we exist?
- The MÜNCHNER KREIS is primarily made up of large companies, while medium-sized industrial companies, especially so-called hidden champions, are underrepresented in the committees.
- The issues, challenges, approaches, and available resources are different for medium-sized companies than for large companies.
- Germany, one of the world’s largest and most productive economies, lags far behind in terms of digitalization when compared internationally.
- It is widely recognized in public discourse and studies that the future viability of the economy and thus of Germany as a business location is at risk without substantial change.
- Germany also lags significantly behind in terms of digitalization when compared to other European countries, even though there are some beacons of progress.
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in their wide range of definitions, form the substantial backbone of the German economy, accounting for over 90% of all companies.
- SMEs (except for the ICT sector) have not been the direct focus of the MÜNCHNER KREIS explicit, direct approach to date. However, SMEs are one of the most important target groups.
- In contrast to large companies, which are more broadly positioned internally, and due to the lower economy of scale, the need for guidance and mutual exchange is even greater among SMEs.