Companies are an important pillar of our economy because they create jobs, prosperity and growth. It is the task of politics to support companies in adapting to a changing environment - for example, to promote research and development.
Companies and Markets
About the topic
The structure of the German and international economy is constantly changing. Companies are challenged to adapt to new realities brought about by digitization, for example. But they are also driving innovation and thus actively shaping change. Politics can support companies in this task by setting the framework conditions favorably. This includes, for example, adjusting the rules for competition, reducing bureaucracy and always maintaining a balance between established companies, such as traditional SMEs, and startups that enrich Germany as a business location with new business models.
German Economic Institute (IW)
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IW-Trends No. 2 11. July 2026
Why Do Companies Invest in Germany?
The growth of Germany’s capital stock is slowing, as current investment increasingly fails to keep pacewith steadily rising disposals. In particular, private investment – which accounts for well over fourfifths of total gross fixed capital formation – has been alarmingly low in recent years.
IW
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IW-Report No. 16 13. April 2026
Making transformation risks measurable
The decarbonization of German industry requires fundamental transformations of production processes.
IW
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IW-Trends No. 4 26. January 2026
The Role of the Private Sector in Germany's Overall Defence Strategy
The present study analyses the role of the private sector in Germany's national civil and military defence strategy in the light of the deteriorating security situation in Europe.
IW
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IW-Trends No. 3 2. October 2025
35 Years of Reunification: What Has Been Achieved in Eastern Germany and Where Are the Biggest Economic Issues?
Over the past 35 years, significant progress has been made in the economic reconstruction in the federal states in Eastern Germany.
IW
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@iwkoeln.de Barbara Engels @BarEngels
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@iwkoeln.de Michael Voigtländer @mvoigtlaender
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Event
14. October 2026
Expert Workshop on the Industrial Accelerator Act
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IW-Trends
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External Publication
16. September 2026
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IW-Report
No. 38
11. September 2026
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Expertise
11. September 2026
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External Publication
9. September 2026
GTIPA Perspectives: Making AI Policy to Drive Innovation
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Expertise
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Expertise
25. August 2026
European Minimum Wage Directive and Strengthening Collective Bargaining Coverage
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IW-Trends
No. 2
6. August 2026
Critical Raw Materials: Corporate Exposure, Supply Risks and Adaptation Strategies
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