Germany
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German business leaders stand at a crossroads in 2025, navigating complex shifts in the global order while seeking to maintain their country’s economic dynamism.
In the geopolitical sphere, German executives display a fascinating paradox: while they identify shifts in global power dynamics (43%) and rising protectionism (43%) as key drivers of innovation and growth, they simultaneously rank these same factors as their greatest concerns (41% and 45% respectively). This duality reflects Germany’s unique position as a major economic power deeply integrated in established global networks, but intrigued by the potential opportunities introduced by incoming shifts.
On the business front, German leaders demonstrate strong interest in venture capital —over a third (36%) cited the rise of global VC as an exciting catalyst for innovation, punctuating the growth opportunities in one of Europe’s strongest economic markets. However, German leaders also report mounting operational challenges, with 32% citing international regulatory compliance as a shift that has become more arduous for businesses – the second highest percentage globally. Moreover, German executives take a notably different stance on regulatory impact than their European counterparts, with 67% believing that heavy-handed regulations will drive industry consolidation rather than prevent it – 10-15 percentage points higher than peers in France, Sweden, and Finland.
This nuanced outlook suggests German businesses are strategically positioning themselves for a more fragmented, yet opportunity-rich global landscape.
55%
Which regions present the strongest new business opportunities for your organization in 2025?
43%
Thinking about the following potential shifts in the international business landscape, which five do you think will have the most significant impact on fostering innovation and growth?
45%
Thinking about the same list of potential shifts in the international business landscape, which five are you most concerned about?
GEOPOLITICAL LANDSCAPE
Governments are increasingly becoming more protectionist in their business policy (i.e. cross-border data sharing, onshoring of chip manufacturing). Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
45% of German respondents noted that geopolitical shifts and more protective nationalism are in their top five concerns when it comes to shifts in the international business landscape - the highest rate across all countries surveyed.
BUSINESS LANDSCAPE
Which of the following actions is your organization planning to take or continue in 2025 - specifically with a focus on the transformation of the labor market stemming from AI?
AI will collapse traditional career paths and make long-term workforce planning impossible for business leaders. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Supply chain resilience will take priority over cost optimization. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Which of the following operational changes is your organization planning to make in 2025?
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