The Economic Advisory Council – also known as the five economics – calculated: This year the gross domestic product (GDP) will shrink by 0.4 percent. And for Baden-Württemberg, the State Statistical Office even reported a decline of 2.5 percent in the second quarter of 2023 compared to the previous year. Even in 2024, things aren’t expected to really pick up again. Even before the federal government’s budget crisis, the Council of Experts only expected narrow growth of 0.7 percent. The Landesbank Baden-Württemberg (LBBW) assumes a meager 0.3 percent, and the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) even fears stagnation.
Growth requires investment. However, these are becoming increasingly difficult for the industry due to the economic situation, the political climate and over-regulation. Aktiv asked three entrepreneurs in Baden-Württemberg: Where do you currently see the biggest hurdles to growth?
“Politicians shift too much onto us”
Dr. Stefan Roell, Chairman of the Supervisory Board ZwickRoell SE, Ulm. Image: active/Wilhelm Mierendorf
“The biggest obstacles for me are the energy situation, the lack of skilled workers, the dilapidated infrastructure and the bureaucracy. Our administration is poorly positioned digitally and therefore inefficient. In addition, politicians are passing on tasks to companies, for example with the Supply Chain Due Diligence Act. Here the government could agree on the desired standards – for example on working conditions – in trade agreements with the countries concerned, instead of demanding that we companies provide certificates for every supplier and sub-supplier.
And why do we have to further tighten EU regulations in Germany? An example: The EU wants to become climate neutral by 2050. But Germany until 2045 – and Baden-Württemberg until 2040! That makes everything even more difficult than it already is.”
“The costs are hardly bearable for energy-intensive companies”
Alexander Schwaiger (left) and Holger Müller, Managing Director of Hammerwerk Fridingen, Fridingen an der Donau. Image: Hammerwerk Fridingen
“In 2022, the basic electricity prices were at times ten times higher than in previous years, which is simply not bearable for an electricity-intensive company. The electricity price brake took effect far too late and did not result in any cost relief for our company. Quick and decisive political action is needed. A harmonization of energy costs at the European level, which could be achieved through a bridge electricity price, could be one way. In addition, the CO2 tax should be frozen.”
“Motivation decreases due to high taxes”
Matthias Tries, partner of Tries GmbH, Ehingen. Image: active/Wilhelm Mierendorf
“A big problem is the lack of qualified employees. In addition, the tax halving of wages reduces work engagement. It seems as if people in Germany are being punished for their willingness to perform. The state would have to fight the cold progression properly and not just in a homeopathic way. High corporate taxes, in turn, can be offset somewhat by government support programs. But the effort required for the applications is disproportionate. In general, bureaucracy is getting out of hand. I work about a month a year just to fulfill the many reporting obligations.”
2023-12-18 23:27:50
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