German companies are hesitant when it comes to investments in research and development. According to a recent survey by the German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK), the willingness to innovate in the German economy has reached its lowest level since the first survey conducted in 2008. Only one-third of the more than 2200 surveyed companies plan to expand their innovation activities. Three years ago, almost half of the companies had such plans.

For the DIHK, this development is a clear warning signal. Managing Director Martin Wansleben emphasizes: "For the business location Germany, it is crucial that we develop new ideas and products in order to economically get back on our feet."

The surveyed companies see the shortage of skilled workers as the biggest hurdle for innovations. Almost three-quarters of the respondents report that limited personnel capacities are getting in their way. In second place of the obstacles are the high bureaucratic requirements. More than two-thirds of the businesses complain about complex approval procedures and demanding documentation obligations that restrict their innovation activities.

Especially alarming, according to the DIHK, is the increased tendency of companies to relocate research and development activities abroad. Three years ago, only a quarter of the surveyed companies had such plans; currently, it is already a third. Therefore, the DIHK is calling on politicians to create an innovation-friendly environment to stop this trend.

"This includes technology-neutral funding programs that quickly and efficiently reach companies, low-threshold cooperation opportunities with science, and real-world laboratories to practically test innovations," says Wansleben.

It remains to be hoped that politics takes these demands seriously and advocates for an innovation-friendly climate in Germany. Only in this way can we revive the willingness to innovate of the German economy and strengthen our competitiveness.