Companies comprising 61 entities unite to bolster Germany's standing as a leading international economic force through the inception of the "Made for Germany" initiative.
In a significant move to reshape Germany's economic landscape, 61 leading German companies and investors, including Deutsche Bank, Siemens, Axel Springer, and MTU Aero Engines, have launched the "Made for Germany" initiative. This collaboration aims to foster a constructive dialogue between business and government, focusing on defining priorities, developing targeted measures, and implementing reforms to boost innovation, particularly in areas like digitalization, artificial intelligence, infrastructure, sustainability, and skilled labor [1][2][3][5].
The initiative has pledged to invest a staggering 631 billion euros (~733 billion US dollars) in Germany's economic growth by 2028. This investment includes planned and new capital expenditures, research and development spending, and contributions from international investors. A significant portion of these funds is earmarked for new investments to counteract recent significant investment outflows from Germany, signifying strong confidence in Germany’s long-term economic potential [1][3][4].
The initiative seeks to serve as a key contact point for the government on economic priorities and reforms, promoting a new partnership between business and government focused on growth, technology, and competitiveness. It also aims to enhance Germany’s investment climate to maintain its role as a global economic hub [1][2][4][5].
The official presentation of "Made for Germany" took place at the Federal Chancellery, attended by Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Vice-Chancellor and Federal Minister of Finance Lars Klingbeil, and Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy Katherina Reiche [6]. Key figures such as Christian Sewing (Deutsche Bank), Roland Busch (Siemens), Mathias Döpfner (Axel Springer), and Alexander Geiser (FGS Global) were also present [1].
Roland Busch, CEO of Siemens, believes the initiative embodies a spirit of solidarity and stands for a fresh start with less bureaucracy and more innovation. He emphasizes the need for a new operating system focused on growth, technology, and competitiveness for Germany [2].
Christian Sewing, CEO of Deutsche Bank, states that companies from Germany and around the world will invest if the political environment supports growth. He views the initiative as an opportunity for government and business to pull in the same direction, ensuring every political decision supports growth and strengthens competitiveness [1].
Alexander Geiser, CEO of FGS Global, highlights Germany's historic opportunity to strengthen long-term competitiveness and reestablish itself as a target destination for investment. He encourages bold leadership and decisive action to send a clear signal of innovation and progress [1].
Mathias Döpfner, CEO of Axel Springer, calls for everyone (politics, business, and society) to turn the momentum into real action. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration and expertise sharing to address challenges in digitization, innovation, infrastructure, sustainability, and skilled labor [1].
The German government has welcomed the initiative's launch, recognizing its potential to drive innovation, generate employment, and boost competitiveness [6]. The investments represent a strong endorsement of Germany's potential in the face of significant investment outflows in the past years. The initiative also invites other companies and investors to join and help strengthen and future-proof Germany as a business location [1][2][3].
The "Made for Germany" initiative, headed by prominent German companies and investors, promises an investment of 631 billion euros in Germany's economy by 2028, with a significant portion allocated for new investments to combat recent outflows, signifying a strong belief in the nation's long-term economic potential. This collaboration aims to forge a partnership between business and government, focusing on fostering growth, technology, and competitiveness through targeted measures and reforms.
