TOP 100 Roundtable 2025: “From Risk to Strength”

„Compared to Europe, the U.S. has a business-friendly regulatory environment that benefits the Mittelstand. That’s what drives the dynamism in the U.S.“

The Guests: Leading minds of the German Mittelstand

For the roundtable, representatives from various industries came together – ranging from the automotive supply industry, logistics, furniture, fashion, and food to construction supplies, technology, software, and mechanical engineering. Together, the companies represented a total revenue of around €20 billion and employed approximately 80,000 people. These figures highlight the economic strength of the assembled decision-makers and show: this event was not just an exchange among equals but a summit of leading minds in the German Mittelstand.

Among the attendees were also 10 winners of the Munich Strategy “TOP 100 des Mittelstands” award. It was the perfect setting for in-depth discussions, strategic insights, and expanding networks.

The starting point: pessimism in the German economy

In early 2025, the mood in the German economy is at a low point. For the second consecutive year, Germany recorded a decline in GDP in 2024 (-0.2%), following a -0.3% decrease in 2023. Businesses are increasingly critical of their current situation and view the future pessimistically. A survey of 49 industry associations revealed that 31 of them assess the current situation as worse than a year ago.

Instead of confidence and future optimism, the economic climate is dominated by fears and defensive thinking. Public discourse and media discussions focus on competitive disadvantages, trade conflicts, and even the risk of deindustrialization. In key technologies such as artificial intelligence, German companies are often perceived as lagging behind. This negative mindset is slowing down investments, hindering forward-looking action, and could lead to a downward spiral.

The topic: from risk to strength

The goal of the evening was to adopt an optimistic perspective – not only recognizing the challenges but also identifying opportunities. The discussion participants examined the current economic landscape and the geopolitical power play between the USA and China as well as its impact on foreign business, supply chains, and the business models of German Mittelstand companies.

Under the guiding principle “creating power from our own strengths,” the discussion focused on the opportunities that are now emerging for German companies in the USA and Europe. In two working groups, participants explored expansion opportunities in these two regions.

The outcome: opportunities in Europe and the USA

Opportunities for expansion in Europe:
#1 It’s all about people! Europe must invest more in its most valuable asset: its people.
#2 Sustainability as a competitive advantage – Europe can turn its green transition into a global strength.
#3 Europeans have mastered complexity – this shields them from external competition.
#4 Cultural influence & stability – Europe offers an attractive, stable, and predictable environment for both business and life.

Opportunities for German companies in the USA:
#1 More freedom, fewer regulations – growth potential through deregulation.
#2 “Hire and fire” – the U.S. labor market allows for greater flexibility.
#3 Growth over perfection – the American growth mindset is a business advantage.
#4 Scaling at speed – U.S. financing models accelerate expansion.
#5 A large, unified, and quality-oriented market – the U.S. offers attractive opportunities for German businesses.