05 Mar Dip in economic growth for Spectaris sectors and recommended measures
The German Industry Association for Optics, Photonics, Analytical and Medical Technology (Spectaris) reports that economic development in the high-tech industries of optics, photonics, analytical and medical technology is showing subdued momentum.
Domestic growth stagnates – exports up slightly
According to preliminary calculations by Spectaris based on the latest figures from the Federal Statistical Office, the total turnover of around 2,700 companies with more than 50 employees rose by 1.3 % in nominal terms to 91 billion euros. While domestic sales stagnated at 30 billion euros, according to the association, international business increased by 1.9 % to 61 billion euros. The export ratio is therefore 67 %. The number of employees rose by 2.3 % to almost 360,000. Following an increase in turnover of almost seven per cent in the previous year, the current result shows that the economic downturn has also left its mark on these sectors. Despite their robustness in comparison to many other sectors of the manufacturing industry, it is clear that the momentum of recent years could not be maintained, says Spectaris. The association would therefore like to see targeted economic policy stimuli in order to secure innovative strength and competitiveness in the long term. “The current figures illustrate the challenges that the Spectaris industries are facing,” comments Jörg Mayer, Managing Director of Spectaris, on the industry data. “Unchecked increases in regulation, international trade barriers and slow progress in digitalization are making it difficult for our member companies to fully exploit their potential. Targeted measures are needed to revitalize growth momentum and strengthen Germany’s attractiveness as a business location.”
Recommended measures
The Spectaris recommendations for the 21st German Bundestag and the new federal government provide specific recommendations for action for a future-orientated economic policy with the future plan of high-tech SMEs in Germany.
Spectaris therefore believes that the following measures are necessary:
– More commitment from the federal government in Brussels to reduce bureaucracy: The density of regulation makes it difficult for companies to access the market and ties up valuable resources. Efficient and practical regulations are needed to speed up innovation processes.
– Shorten export procedures and secure international competitiveness: Faster export licenses, a strategic trade focus and an active role for Germany in international markets will strengthen the location in the long term.
– Drive forward digitalization and the use of AI in a targeted manner: The consistent expansion of digital infrastructures, efficient access to high-quality data and an innovation-friendly implementation of the AI Act in the EU create important foundations for the future.
– Lead Germany back to the forefront of innovation: Investment in cutting-edge technological research and targeted support programs for SMEs are crucial to generating long-term growth.
– Strengthen photonics as a key strategic technology and medical technology as a leading industry:According to Spectaris, these technologies play a key role in the areas of digitalization, quantum technology and healthcare. Their targeted support secures Germany’s technological leadership.
“In recent years, our high-tech industries have proven their resilience and provided impetus. They are growth drivers for Germany as a business location,” says Mayer. “Now it is important to set the right course to further expand this position.”
The Spectaris recommendations for the 21st German Bundestag and the new federal government ‘A future plan for German high-tech SMEs’ can be downloaded here (direct link to PDF in German language).
Source and image: www.spectaris.de
