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IW-Report No. 22 4. June 2021 Hubertus Bardt / Michael Hüther / Hans-Peter Klös Modernization through investment

The German economy is facing extensive modernization challenges that have to be overcome with new technologies, new business models and the necessary investments.

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Modernization through investment
IW-Report No. 22 4. June 2021 Hubertus Bardt / Michael Hüther / Hans-Peter Klös

Modernization through investment

Hubertus Bardt / Michael Hüther / Hans-Peter Klös German Economic Institute (IW) German Economic Institute (IW)

The German economy is facing extensive modernization challenges that have to be overcome with new technologies, new business models and the necessary investments.

While the automotive industry, with its strong innovation and investment performance, is already experiencing significant transformation dynamics, energy-intensive industries are facing greater challenges. In particular, there is a lack of adequate state support measures in order to be able to make the necessary investments in climate neutrality in Germany that have not yet been economically viable. A catching-up process has also started in digitization so that the combination of industrial strength and digital innovation can create a strong competitive position for the next few decades. While many infrastructural prerequisites are still lacking, the state initiative is going in the right direction. For economic policy, the necessary modernization is linked to three core tasks: The prerequisites for private investments in Germany must be strengthened through locational policy and transformation support, the complementary public investments must be made and the state itself, with its lengthy planning and decision-making processes, must be modernized and integrated. 

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Modernization through investment
IW-Report No. 22 4. June 2021 Hubertus Bardt / Michael Hüther / Hans-Peter Klös

Modernization through investment

Hubertus Bardt / Michael Hüther / Hans-Peter Klös German Economic Institute (IW) German Economic Institute (IW)

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Are the New Federal Government's Measures Having an Effect on Investment in Germany?
IW-Trends No. 4 24. January 2026 Hubertus Bardt / Michael Grömling

Are the New Federal Government's Measures Having an Effect on Investment in Germany?

With German’s industrial crisis worsening in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and recent geopolitical upheavals, a huge investment gap has opened up.

Hubertus Bardt / Michael Grömling IW

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IW-Report No. 57 14. November 2025 Alexander Burstedde / Paula Risius / Hubertus Bardt

Debate on compulsory military service: Attractiveness of the German Armed Forces is crucial

Germany is facing an increased threat level. As a result of Russia's war against Ukraine, a “turning point” (dt.: Zeitenwende) has already been declared. The increase in defense capabilities also includes a significant increase in personnel in the German Armed Forces (dt.: Bundeswehr).

Alexander Burstedde / Paula Risius / Hubertus Bardt IW

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